• PURPOSE
    • The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term results after arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) correction combined with additional procedures addressing labral and chondral damages in patients who showed generalized severe cartilage lesions intraoperatively.
  • METHODS
    • Between 2004 and 2007, 20 patients (16 men and 4 women) could be included in the study. Clinical parameters, the pain score on a visual analog scale, initial radiologic degenerative changes, the alpha angle, and the Nonarthritic Hip Score were prospectively documented. The study endpoint was the implantation of a total hip arthroscopy or the latest follow-up.
  • RESULTS
    • At a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, 10 patients (50%) had undergone, or planned to undergo, total hip replacement. The remaining patients showed a significant improvement in pain, Nonarthritic Hip Score, and hip flexion and internal rotation.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • In patients with already marked generalized chondral lesions, arthroscopy does not have any effect beyond the short-term pain relief resulting from debridement. The study underlines the fact that FAI with advanced osteoarthrosis, particularly Tönnis grade III, is not an indication for arthroscopic FAI correction.
  • LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
    • Level IV, therapeutic case series.