Screening Muscle Strength in Arthroscopic Surgery of the Hip (SMASH)

Hypothesis We hypothesise that hip muscle strength can predict the outcome of hip arthroscopy. A relationship between strength and outcome can improve the success of the procedure and avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful surgery.

Objectives The primary objective is to evaluate the relationship between hip muscle strength and outcomes of hip arthroscopy. The secondary objective is to determine a 'threshold strength' above which the operation becomes successful. If this relationship is established, it would launching a randomised control trial with targeted physiotherapy as the intervention.

Background Hip arthroscopy is key-hole surgery to the hip joint which is performed for femoroacetabular impingement; a condition which describes a shape mismatch between the ball-and-socket hip joint. The number of procedures is increasing, however, studies have shown success in only half of patients undergoing the procedure.

Several factors have been linked with outcomes; however, the influence of muscle strength has never been investigated. We performed a systematic review of this topic, revealing that muscles around affected hips are significantly weaker. We also developed a standardised protocol for the measurement of muscle strength.

Plan Patients awaiting hip arthroscopy will undergo muscle strength testing pre- and post-operatively. There will be no deviation of treatment from their NHS care. Validated outcome measure questionnaires will be completed at five months post-operatively. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography tests will be performed on a subset of patients post-operatively.