Current evidence on the efficacy of open femoro–acetabular surgery for hip impingement syndrome is adequate in terms of symptom relief in the short and medium term. With regard to safety, there are well recognised complications. Therefore, this procedure may be used provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit with local review of outcomes.
The British Hip Society is establishing a register for open femoro–acetabular surgery for hip impingement syndrome and clinicians should submit details of all patients undergoing this procedure to the register once it is available. One of the main purposes of the register is to provide information about long-term outcomes. It is important that both the register and other studies report details of patient selection to allow clear understanding of these outcomes.
Open femoro–acetabular surgery for hip impingement syndrome involves major surgery with the potential for serious complications and should only be undertaken by surgeons who are well-trained and highly experienced in this type of procedure.