Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement is one of the most common causes of hip pain in young, active individuals. It is characterized by abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum. Open osteochondroplasty, which involves dislocating the hip to reshape the femoral head-neck junction and acetabular rim, remains vital in cases of complex deformities despite the advent of arthroscopic techniques. The study aimed at evaluating the short-term results of open osteochondroplasty in patients with symptomatic FAI, focusing on pain relief, functional improvement, ROM, and complications. 
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 31 patients who underwent open osteochondroplasty for FAI. Outcomes measures included VAS, HOS, WOMAC, iHOT-12, ROM, general health status by means of the EQ-5D Index and SF-12, and finally, postoperative complications. 
Results: The results of the study were significantly improved. Pain was reduced by 58% from a VAS of 7.4 to 3.1 (p<0.01), Hip Outcome Score came to 44% (47.3–68.2, p<0.01), WOMAC: Symptomatic improvement in pain, stiffness, and physical function domains significantly improved by 53%, 52%, and 42%, respectively, with p<0.01, complication rate came to 4.2%, Significant improvement in flexion ROM by 15° (p<0.01) and internal rotation by 10° (p<0.01). 
Conclusion: Open osteochondroplasty is a significant technique for decreasing pain and enhancing function and ROM in FAI patients; it is also associated with a rather low rate of complications. Therefore, this procedure remains a quite valuable option for the treatment of FAI, especially in complex cases.