Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Is Associated With Improved Sexual Function And Quality of Life

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate changes in sexual function and activity after arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement using the United Kingdom Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry dataset. Subanalyses were performed between males and females, and patients over 40 and under 40 years old.

Methods: Patients who had arthroscopic hip surgery between January 1, 2012, and October 31, 2020, were aged over 16, and completed the relevant patient-reported outcome measures were included. Question 9 of the International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (sexual activity question [SAQ]) refers to problems with sexual activity, and responses to this were compared before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Subanalyses were also performed, including SAQ scores by patients' sex or age. SAQ scores were correlated with Euroqol-5 dimension-5 level self-reporting tool (EQ-5D-5L) scores using Spearman's rank coefficient.

Results: SAQ was answered by 2,547 patients before and at 6 months after surgery (62.3% female, median age = 36.2, interquartile range [IQR] = 29-44 years) and by 2,314 at 12 months (61.9% female, median age = 36.2, IQR = 29-44 years). Scores for sexual activity increased from 35.0 before surgery to 70.0 at 6 months (P < .001) and were maintained at 12 months (P < .001). Female patients demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in their scores for sexual function from before surgery (median = 30.0, IQR = 14-50) to 6 months (median = 60, IQR = 28-86, P < .001) and 12 months (median = 62.0, IQR = 29-90, P < .001), compared to male patients (preoperative median = 50.0, IQR 25-84; 6-month median = 80, IQR = 45-97; 12-month median = 80, IQR = 41-98). The effect of age on improvements in sexual function did not demonstrate a significant difference. A significant positive correlation was found between improvements in sexual function and quality of life, as measured by the EQ-5D-5L, at 6 and 12 months (P < .001).

Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement produces an improvement in sexual function and activity. Scores for sexual function improved regardless of patient age or sex; however, female patients experienced a greater improvement in sexual function than males.

Level of evidence: Level III, Retrospective cohort study.