Return to Pilates following hip arthroscopy for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

The Pilates Method is a common exercise program which focuses on strength, flexibility and control of the body. While the effects of Pilates have been shown to benefit, limited research has investigated its effect on patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the rate of return to Pilates following hip arthroscopy after undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS. The study evaluated consecutive patients who identified themselves as participating in Pilates and had undergone hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS by a single fellowship-trained surgeon between 2012 and 2015 were reviewed. Demographic data, baseline physical examination, imaging, pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores at a minimum of 2-years following surgery as well as a Pilates-specific questionnaire were assessed for all patients. A total of 25 patients (all female) with mean age 38 +/- 11 years were identified. Preoperatively, 12 patients had discontinued Pilates due to activity-related hip complaints, 11 patients had scaled back involvement, and 2 patients maintained their baseline routine. Postoperatively, 23 of 25 patients (92%) returned to Pilates at an average of 7.7 +/- 4.2 months following surgery (range, 3-14 months). Postoperatively, 96% returned to Pilates at the same level or better than preinjury. Preinjury and postoperative involvement in Pilates were comparable (2.2 h v. 1.8 h per week, P = 0.8). Loss of interest and fear of reinjury were the most common reasons for reduced Pilates involvement. All patients had significant improvements in HOS-ADL (pre 56.52 +/- 21.6; post 86.1 +/- 18.8; P<0.001), HOS-SS (30.1 +/- 20.0, 63.8 +/- 34.8; P<0.001), mHHS scores (57.6 +/- 12.8; 79.2 +/- 19.6; P<0.001), and VAS pain (68.8 +/- 15.4; 21.4 +/- 26.5; P<0.001). In conclusion, arthroscopic treatment of FAIS in Pilates participants resulted in significant improvements in hip function and predictably high rates of satisfaction.