Professional hockey players who receive early treatment for femoroacetabular impingement are able to extend their athletic careers, according to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
The researchers analyzed 60 professional hockey players who received hip arthroscopy to treat femoroacetabular impingement. Through considering characteristics like age, intraoperative findings and hockey position, the researchers identified predictors associated with length of career.
1. Sixty-seven percent of the players continued to play professional hockey for at least 5 years after the procedure. The mean length of the participants' careers was 13.7 years.
2. There was no difference in length of career based on the position the athlete played.
3. Younger age at the time of surgery was associated with greater length of career.
4. Shorter duration of symptoms prior to surgery was associated with greater length of career.
5. The researchers conclude that early arthroscopic treatment for hockey players with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement will support longer athletic careers.