Purpose: The rising number of hip arthroscopies (HA) is leading to increasing numbers of patients requiring post-surgical rehabilitation; however, evidence regarding post-operative rehabilitation is currently limited. The purpose of the study was to describe and compare current rehabilitation strategies and views among surgeons and physiotherapists in Scandinavia.
Methods: Scandinavian surgeons and physiotherapists experienced with HA and post-surgical rehabilitation were asked to complete an online survey. Ninety clinicians (28 surgeons, 62 physiotherapists) responded.
Results: Both professions mostly rated physiotherapy as very or extremely important in the rehabilitation process. The majority advocated criteria-based or combined criteria- and time-based progression. Expected rehabilitation timelines were reported with large intra-professional variation but general inter-professional agreement. However, compared with physiotherapists surgeons expected fewer weeks on crutches and faster return to competitive sport. Surgeons more often reported use of evidence-based self-reported outcomes while physiotherapists more often evaluated readiness for return to play.
Conclusions: Among surgeons and physiotherapists, physiotherapy is considered very important following HA. Generally, very similar views were held between professions. Surgeons expected reduced time on crutches and to return to competitive sports than physiotherapists. Surgeons also used evidence-based self-reported outcomes to a higher degree than physiotherapists. Being the first study to provide an overview on currently applied rehabilitation strategies following HA, results of this study may guide much needed, future research on the rehabilitation process following HA.
Level of evidence: IV.
Keywords: Arthroscopy; FAI; Hip joint; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation.