Outcomes and return to sport following arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in rugby union players.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to analyze the outcomes and return to sport (RTS) after arthroscopic surgery in rugby union players (RUP) patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING: It was a single-center study conducted at an orthopedic hip surgery center. PATIENTS: Thirty-six patients under 35 years old (46 hips) who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS. INTERVENTIONS: Data collected included demographic information, rugby level, type of FAIS, and radiographic arthritis stage. Analysis of factors influencing return to sport, including age, preoperative sports level, symptom duration, and radiographic arthritis stage. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional outcomes assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (IHOT-12), Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 3.9 years, 41% of patients returned to their previous or higher level of rugby, 46% resumed rugby at a lower level, and 13% ceased playing. Significant improvements were observed in all scores, except the TAS. mHHS improved by + 21.8 points, and the IHOT-12 by + 46.1 points. Age, preoperative sports level, symptom duration, and radiographic arthritis stage were significant factors for partial resumption or cessation of rugby. CONCLUSION: RTS was achieved in 87% of patients after arthroscopic surgery for FAIS in RUP. However, only 41% returned to the same or a higher level, while 46% resumed at a lower level and 13% definitively stopped rugby. Arthroscopic management provided satisfactory overall outcomes. Age, preoperative sports level, symptom duration, and radiographic stage were associated with partial or non-resumption of rugby. STUDY DESIGN: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study.