Relationship Between Age at Onset of Symptoms and Intraoperative Findings in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors
Suarez-Ahedo C, Gui C, Rabe SM, Walsh JP, Chandrasekaran S, Domb BG
Journal: Orthop J Sports Med. 2017 Nov;5(11):2325967117737480
DOI: 10.1177/2325967117737480
Background
Earlier age at onset of hip symptoms may correlate with less severe intra-articular pathology at the time of arthroscopic surgery.
Methods: In this cohort of 1,697 patients, intraoperative findings and patient-reported outcomes were compared between those with symptom onset below vs. above the mean age of 34.6 years.
Key Findings
Younger patients had less severe cartilage and labral damage and better improvements in outcome scores at two years, although both age groups showed statistically significant clinical improvements.
Conclusions
Age at symptom onset influences intraoperative pathology and long-term outcomes. Younger patients typically present with less advanced joint damage and may experience more favorable results.
What Does This Mean for Patients
Early evaluation and treatment may lead to better outcomes, as delaying care can allow more advanced damage to develop within the hip joint.