Hip Joint

BackgroundBiomechanical alterations in patients with low back pain (LBP), as reduced range of motion or strength, do not appear to be exclusively related to the trunk. Thus, studies have investigated biomechanical changes in the hip, due to the proximity of this joint to the low back region. However, the relationship between hip biomechanical changes in patients with LBP is still controversial and needs to be summarized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review observational studies that used biomechanical assessments in patients with non-specific LBP.MethodsThe search for observational studies that evaluated hip biomechanical variables (i.e., range of motion, kinematic, strength, and electromyography) in adults with non-specific acute, subacute, and chronic LBP was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and Sportdiscus databases on February 22nd, 2024. Four blocks of descriptors were used: 1) type of study, 2) LBP, 3) hip and 4) biomechanical assessment. Two independent assessors selected eligible studies and extracted the following data: author, year of publication, country, study objective, participant characteristics, outcomes, and results. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument and classified as low, moderate, and high. Due to the heterogeneity of the biomechanical assessment and, consequently, of the results among eligible studies, a descriptive analysis was performed.ResultsThe search strategy returned 338 articles of which 54 were included: nine articles evaluating range of motion, 16 evaluating kinematic, four strength, seven electromyography and 18 evaluating more than one outcome. The studies presented moderate and high methodological quality. Patients with LBP, regardless of symptoms, showed a significant reduction in hip range of motion, especially hip internal rotation, reduction in the time to perform functional activities such as sit-to-stance-to-sit, sit-to-stand or walking, greater activation of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus muscles and weakness of the hip abductor and extensor muscles during specific tests and functional activities compared to healthy individuals.ConclusionPatients with LBP present changes in range of motion, task execution, activation, and hip muscle strength when compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, clinicians must pay greater attention to the assessment and management of the hip during the treatment of these patients.Systematic review registrationInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020213599).

PurposeIntra-articular hip disorders, such as femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), labral tears and chondral damage are common in ice hockey players, particularly in the National Hockey League (NHL). However, evidence on return-to-sport (RTS) rates and performance outcomes post-hip arthroscopy remains limited. This study evaluates RTS rates, career longevity, and performance metrics, including games played, points per game (PPG), save percentage, and performance scores (PS), following hip arthroscopy.MethodsNHL players who underwent hip arthroscopy for intra-articular pathology between 2000 and 2024 were identified using public records. RTS rates, career duration, and performance metrics were analysed pre- and post-surgery. Paired t-tests and analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed across positions (forwards, defensemen and goaltenders).ResultsA total of 92 NHL players (103 hips) met inclusion criteria. The overall RTS rate was 79.3%, increasing to 84.9% when excluding players still recovering. RTS was significantly higher in players ConclusionNHL players undergoing hip arthroscopy have high RTS rates and often resume multi-season careers. However, forwards experience greater declines in performance, while defensemen and goaltenders are less affected. These results underscore position-specific recovery trends and may inform rehabilitation strategies in elite hockey athletes.Level of evidenceLevel V.

The dysplastic hip is characterized by incomplete coverage of the femoral head, resulting in increased risk of early osteoarthritis. The morphological variation of the hip joint is diverse and clear differences exist between females and males. The aim of this observational study was therefore to investigate the relationship between the morphology of the hip, sex, and hip dysplasia using a three-dimensional model. Statistical shape models of the combined femur and pelvic bones were created from bilateral hips of 75 patients. Using manual angle measurements and regression analysis, the characteristic shape differences associated with sex and hip dysplasia were determined. The model showed clear differences associated with sex and hip dysplasia. We found that the acetabular anteversion in females was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than in males while no significant difference in acetabular anteversion was found between normal and dysplastic hips (p = 0.11). The model showed that decreased acetabular anteversion resulted in the appearance of the cross-over sign and the prominent ischial spine sign commonly associated with retroversion. Sex could be predicted with an area under the curve of 0.99 and hip dysplasia could be predicted with an area under the curve of ≥0.73. Our findings suggest that retroversion is a result of decreased anteversion of the acetabulum and is primarily associated with sex. This finding should be taken into account during the reorientation of the acetabulum in the surgical treatment of hip dysplasia.

Osteoarticular infections caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum are exceedingly rare and often result in delayed diagnosis due to nonspecific clinical manifestations. We report a case of septic arthritis of the hip in a 47-year-old man, in which M. fortuitum was identified from synovial fluid by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (99% identity to GenBank reference sequence CP011269.1). Upon definitive diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy was adjusted to intravenous azithromycin and levofloxacin combined with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Following clinical improvement, treatment was transitioned to oral azithromycin, levofloxacin, and TMP-SMX for 12 months. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient remained in complete remission without recurrence. This case highlights the critical role of 16S rRNA sequencing in diagnosing non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections and informs therapeutic strategies for similar rare infections.