Blood flow restriction therapy after hip surgery

Postoperative Blood Flow Restriction Training Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Rush University Medical Center · NCT04113759

This study is testing if a special therapy that restricts blood flow can help people recover stronger and faster after hip surgery for certain injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorRush University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04113759 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy in enhancing muscle growth and strength recovery in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoral acetabular impingement and labral tears. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either BFR therapy or a sham treatment, with their progress monitored through strength testing, leg measurements, and MRI assessments over a year. The study aims to determine if BFR can improve rehabilitation outcomes compared to standard recovery methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18-40 scheduled for primary hip arthroscopy due to labral pathology or femoral acetabular impingement.

Not a fit: Patients over 40, those with prior hip or knee surgeries, or individuals with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved muscle recovery and rehabilitation outcomes for patients after hip arthroscopy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction therapy in various rehabilitation settings, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients 18-40
* English-speaking
* Clinical and radiographic examination (MRI) consistent FAIS and/or labral pathology, and are schedule for primary hip arthroscopy
* Written and informed consent for study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients younger than 18 or older than 40 years of age
* Non-native English speaker
* Revision surgery or prior history of ipsilateral hip or knee surgery
* Inability to comply with the proposed follow-up clinic visits
* Patients lacking decisional capacity
* Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or known clotting disorder or hypercoagulable state
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women. Pregnancy as determined by a positive pregnancy test prior to procedure. Females of childbearing potential must agree to use an acceptable birth control method during study participation.
* Worker's compensation patients
* Any clinically significant finding that would place the patient at health risk, impact the study, or affect the completion of the study
* Any psychiatric illness that would prevent comprehension of the details and nature of the study and interfere with follow-up clinic visits

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Labral Tear, GlenoidFemoral Acetabular Impingement
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.