Comparing weight-bearing protocols after hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement
The Impact of Varying Weightbearing Restrictions on Postoperative Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement: a Randomized Trial
This study is testing which weight-bearing plan after hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement helps patients recover better and feel more comfortable.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Panam Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
| Trial ID | NCT05280899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the impact of two different weight-bearing protocols—weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) and partial weight-bearing (PWB)—on patient outcomes following arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). It is a single-blinded, randomized trial that will assess patient-reported outcomes, clinical measures, and functional performance up to 12 months post-surgery. The primary focus is on the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT33) scores, while secondary outcomes include return to sport metrics and lower extremity performance measures. The goal is to determine which rehabilitation protocol yields better recovery outcomes for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 to 50 diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement who have not found relief from conservative treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range or have not been diagnosed with FAI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help optimize postoperative rehabilitation protocols, leading to improved recovery and quality of life for patients with FAI.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in postoperative rehabilitation for hip surgeries, this specific comparison of WBAT versus PWB in FAI patients is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 16 - 50 years of age at time of surgery * Diagnosis of FAI (cam, pincer, mixed) based on the 2016 Warwick Agreement. All 3 criteria below must be met: 1. Symptoms of motion- or position-related pain in the hip or groin 2. Clinical signs consistent with FAI such as: decreased hip flexion and internal rotation, or positive impingement sign 3. Radiographic evidence (on BOTH x-ray AND non-contrast MRI) of intra-articular pathology consistent with FAI as determined by the treating surgeon. * Failed conservative interventions of at least 3 months (i.e. physiotherapy) * Have symptom relief with intra-articular injection of local anaesthetic * Unilateral or bilateral surgical intervention (note: unilateral required to ensure the weight bearing guidelines are followed) * Are willing to be followed for 12 months post-operative. Eligibility for 'return to sport' cohort: Additional assessment measures related to return to sport will be collected on the patient who meet the following criteria: * are or were previously actively involved in sport as indicated by a pre-operative Hip Sports Activity Scale score of four of greater * indicate a post-operative goal to return to sport following their procedure Exclusion Criteria: Clinical: * Previous surgery on the affected hip, or other major lower extremity orthopaedic surgery * Active joint or systemic infection, significant muscle paralysis, significant lower extremity or medical comorbidity that could alter the effectiveness of the surgical intervention (e.g. polymyalgia rheumatica) * Unable to speak or read English/French * Unable or unwilling to be followed for 1 year or complete functional testing * Presence of chronic pain syndromes * History of pediatric hip disease (i.e. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease) * Ongoing litigation or compensation claims related to the hip (including Workers' Compensation) Radiographic: * Osteoarthritis greater than Tönnis Grade 1 on affected hip * Lateral central edge angle \<19° * Dysplasia in patients with broken Shenton line (i.e. Severe acetabular deformity present)
Where this trial is running
Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Pan Am Clinic — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Devin Lemmex, MD — Pan Am Clinic
- Study coordinator: Dan Ogborn, PhD
- Email: dogborn@panamclinic.com
- Phone: 204-927-2829
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.