Evaluating hip cartilage degeneration in young patients with femoroacetabular impingement

Longitudinal Evaluation of Hip Cartilage Degeneration: the Effect of Femoroacetabular Impingement

Observational Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT02408276

This study looks at how hip cartilage changes in young people with femoroacetabular impingement to see who might need surgery and how it affects their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT02408276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients aged 35 and younger diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) to assess the progression of hip cartilage degeneration. Participants will complete a series of questionnaires to evaluate their hip condition and quality of life. The study aims to identify prognostic indicators that could help determine which patients are best suited for surgical intervention. By utilizing advanced MRI techniques, the research seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding the treatment of FAI.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 35 or younger with an MRI-confirmed diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement.

Not a fit: Patients over the age of 35 or those undergoing revision hip arthroscopy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights that improve surgical decision-making and outcomes for patients with femoroacetabular impingement.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically addressing prognostic indicators for FAI, similar studies in hip preservation have shown promise in understanding treatment outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients 35 years of age or younger enrolled in the HSS Hip Preservation Registry prior to September 30, 2016 with an MRI confirmed diagnosis of FAI will be eligible for inclusion in this study regardless of surgery status.
* Patients who agree to participate must complete a baseline questionnaire consisting of: 1) Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS), an overall measure of hip condition; 2) the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), a measure developed specifically for younger active patients that measures quality of life and levels of sports and recreation; and 3) International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT33), a newly developed hip specific outcome score, which measures a number of subscores relating to physical and social functioning with hip problems.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients over age 35 will be excluded as the focus of this study is early changes that may predispose to later degenerative changes.
* Patients undergoing revision hip arthroscopy as their first treatment in the Registry will not be eligible, as these are patients who have failed initial therapy.
* Patients with no complete questionnaires at any time point will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Femoroacetabular 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.