Editorial Commentary: Lumbar Pathology Likely Negatively Affects Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome, Though the Strength of the Relationship is Unclear.

Abstract

A complex interplay exists between the hip joint and the lumbosacralpelvis. As a patient moves from a standing to seated position, the lower back, pelvis, and hips must move in concert to properly function. Conceptually, any deviation from the norm risks early hip impingement. Current evidence is conflicted regarding whether concomitant lumbar pathology (LP) negatively affects outcomes following hip arthroscopy with labral repair for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), though the preponderance of evidence suggests some degree of negative relationship. Fortunately, studies that do report a negative relationship also uniformly report significant improvement in combined FAIS/LP patients, though less improvement than those without LP. Based on current evidence, it is reasonable to offer appropriately indicated FAIS patients surgery in the presence of concomitant LP, but physicians should also set appropriate expectations.