Editorial Commentary: Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Outcomes May Be Depressing

Abstract

Hip arthroscopy can be an extremely effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. As with any surgery, our clinical outcomes are directly related to proper patient selection. As orthopaedic surgeons, we often focus on the functional and painful history complaints, the physical examination maneuvers, and radiographic studies to determine whether patients will respond well to surgical treatment. However, we oftentimes overlook the overall well-being of our patients and forget how psychosocial factors may limit surgical outcomes. Patients need to be counseled about the importance of medically maximizing their overall well-being and addressing any underlying stress, anxiety, or depression. Although psychosocial factors are not a contraindication to surgery, they certainly play a major role in our ultimate goal of improving our patients' quality of life and function.