Arthroscopic hip surgery may not be best option for arthritis

Editor's Note

Arthroscopic surgery may not be the best option for patients over 60 years of age with hip arthritis, this study finds.

Though most patients prefer minimally invasive hip arthroscopy rather than total hip replacement, researchers from the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, found that more than one-third of patients who had arthroscopic surgery went on to have a hip replacement within 2 years. The study included 7,351 patients who had arthroscopic hip surgery with a 2-year follow-up.

Hip arthroscopy is a major advance in treating certain hip conditions, the authors say, but there is growing concern about its efficacy in patients with pre-existing hip arthritis. This study provides important information for patients and surgeons for choosing the most beneficial treatment in the long run.