Combined arthroscopic and modified open approach for cam femoroacetabular impingement: a preliminary experience.

PURPOSE: We report our case series of patients undergoing surgical treatment (femoral osteoplasty) for symptomatic cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Clinical results using a modified Heuter anterior approach combined with adjunctive hip arthroscopy are presented.

METHODS: A chart review of 16 hips (14 consecutive patients) was conducted. Radiographic parameters (alpha angle, head-neck offset, and Tönnis grade) were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Clinical features (range of motion, provocative testing, and Harris hip score) were assessed.

RESULTS: At 2.0 years, mean hip flexion improved from 94.1 degrees to 110.0 degrees (P < .01) and internal rotation from 7.1 degrees to 12.3 degrees (P = .02). The mean alpha angle improved from 64.5 degrees to 43.3 degrees (P < .01), whereas the mean femoral head-neck offset improved from 1.9 to 9.6 mm (P < .01). The mean Harris hip score improved from 63.8 to 76.1 (P = .01). No deterioration in overall radiographic Tönnis grades was present at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of hip arthroscopy with a limited anterior approach (Heuter) is a useful technique for patients with cam or cam-dominant FAI lesions. We believe the limited anterior approach with open osteoplasty presents a reasonable alternative to arthroscopic methods of osteoplasty with minimal drawbacks in the event that total hip arthroplasty is indicated in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.