Surgery for hip impingement among athletes is becoming more common and is performed more often on younger athletes than in previous years, despite the lack of evidence for the efficacy of the procedure, according to a report from the New York Times.
Performing a hip impingement surgery to repair torn cartilage can cost several thousand dollars in surgical and hospital fees, according to the report. As a result, some surgeons question the growing use of the procedure. Marc Philippon, MD, a surgeon at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., was one of the first surgeons to perform hip impingement surgery and has published case series papers on his outcomes. At the two-year follow-up, patients reported their hips were pain free; now, Dr. Philippon is working on publishing data on the 10-year follow-up of his patients.
An additional study referenced in the article examined data from John J. Callaghan, MD, of the University of Iowa. Dr. Callaghan's study indicated a link between arthritis and untreated hip impingement. He also noted that no evidence shows hip impingement surgery can prevent arthritis later in life.
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An additional study referenced in the article examined data from John J. Callaghan, MD, of the University of Iowa. Dr. Callaghan's study indicated a link between arthritis and untreated hip impingement. He also noted that no evidence shows hip impingement surgery can prevent arthritis later in life.
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15 Sports Medicine Physician Moves & Appointments
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