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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 35/11/1955    most recent 0363546507304141v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (1) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bizzini, M. Articles by Maffiuletti, N. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Bizzini, M. Articles by Maffiuletti, N. A. Related Collections Hip/groin Ice hockey Operative

Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Ice Hockey Players

A Case Series of 5 Athletes After Open Surgical Decompression of the Hip

Mario Bizzini, MSc, PT^,*, Hubert P. Notzli, MD and Nicola A. Maffiuletti, PhD

From the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland, and the Orthopaedic Department, Ziegler Hospital, Bern, Switzerland

^* Address correspondence to Mario Bizzini, MSc, PT, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Schulthess Clinic, Lengghalde 2, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland (e-mail: mario.bizzini{at}kws.ch).

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement of the hip joint has been identified as a major cause for hip pain in athletes. Surgical open decompression of the hip has historically been proposed as the first treatment of choice. Functional outcomes in athletes after this procedure are unknown.

Purpose: To describe the functional and sport-related outcome 2 years after open surgical hip decompression in a group of young professional ice hockey players suffering from cam femoroacetabular impingement.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Five young professional ice hockey players (mean age, 21.4 y at follow-up) who suffered from cam femoroacetabular impingement were treated with open surgical decompression of the hip. The operation was performed by the same surgeon, and all athletes followed the same rehabilitation guidelines. Mean follow-up time was 2.7 years. Outcome measures were recorded as time to regain symmetrical hip rotation, regain preoperative core/hip muscle strength, return to team practice, and play at competitive level.

Results: Hip rotation range of motion was regained by a mean 10.3 weeks. Core and hip strength values reached preoperative levels by a mean 7.8 months. Return to unrestricted team practice with the ice hockey team was achieved by a mean 6.7 months, and athletes were able to play their first competitive game after a mean 9.6 months. Three athletes were able to perform again at the highest level and in international competitions. Two athletes had to return to minor league ice hockey.

Conclusion: Return to high-level ice hockey after open surgical decompression of the hip was possible in this series of 5 consecutive cases.

Key Words: femoroacetabular impingement • surgical open decompression • ice hockey • rehabilitation • return to play

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