Comparison of the open versus the arthroscopic approach in the treatment of femoroacetabular shock

To compare clinical and imaging results and complications between patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement who underwent either open surgery or an arthroscopic approach. This retrospective study included patients who underwent femoroacetabular impingement surgical treatment between June 2009 and January 2018. Patients treated with open surgery were compared with those treated with arthroscopy. Patients were radiographically and clinically assessed by alpha angle, degree of arthritis, Harris Hip Score, hospital stay and complications, as well as progression to total hip arthroplasty. 57 patients with FAI were included; 27 (45.6%) underwent open surgery and 31 (54.4%) underwent arthroscopy. Statistically significant differences were observed in hospital stay, where the patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery showed better outcomes. There were no other statistically significant differences, the results were similar in both groups. Arthroscopy and open surgery treatments for femoroacetabular impingement provided comparable clinical and radiographic results. However, the latter surgery provides better results in surgery time, hospital stay and postoperative recovery.