Does Obesity Affect Outcomes in Hip Arthroscopy? A Matched-Pair Controlled Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors
Gupta A, Redmond JM, Hammarstedt JE, Stake CE, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/0363546514565089
Purpose
To compare 2-year clinical outcomes after primary hip arthroscopy between obese patients and matched nonobese controls.
Methods
A prospective cohort study including 62 obese patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy matched 1:2 with 124 nonobese controls. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the modified Harris Hip Score, Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale, pain via visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction.
Key Findings
- Obese patients had significantly lower PRO scores preoperatively and postoperatively than nonobese controls.
- Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all PRO measures post-surgery.
- The magnitude of improvement (delta) in PRO scores was similar between groups.
- No statistically significant difference in rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), revision surgery, or complications, though obese patients tended to have twice the rates of conversion and revision (study underpowered for these outcomes).
Conclusion
Obese patients experience significant improvement after hip arthroscopy, comparable in degree to nonobese patients, though their absolute postoperative scores remain lower. Hip arthroscopy is a viable option for obese patients when expectations are appropriately managed.
What This Means for Patients
Obese patients can expect meaningful improvement in hip function and pain relief following hip arthroscopy, but may have lower overall function compared to nonobese patients; discussing realistic goals is important before surgery.