X-rays before hip arthroscopy may predict the need for Total Hip in the future

Radiographic findings may be used to predict likelihood of THR following THA (OrthoSuperSite)

Preoperative radiographs may be effectively used to gauge the prognosis for patient outcomes as they relate to osteoarthritis following arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, according to a study presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Presence of significant joint space narrowing, acetabular sclerosis and medial acetabular osteophyte formation are all indicators of future total hip arthroplasty, presenter Carl Wierks, MD, said.