Complications and Risk Factors for Morbidity in Elective Hip Arthroscopy: A Review of 1325 Cases

We conducted a study of elective hip arthroscopy patients to determine type and incidence of complications and rates of and risk factors for minor and major morbidity. Retrospectively searching the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified 1325 patients who underwent elective hip arthroscopy between 2006 and 2013. Univariate and subsequent multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for complications. Of the 1325 patients identified, 16 (1.21%) had at least 1 complication, and 6 (0.45%) had at least 1 major complication. The most common complication was bleeding resulting in transfusion (6 patients, 0.45%). Multivariate analysis found age over 65 years was an independent predictor of any complication (odds ratio [OR], 6.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-31.54) and minor morbidity (OR, 7.97; 95% CI, 1.21-52.72). Short-term morbidity after elective hip arthroscopy was low, and we conclude that hip arthroscopy should be considered a low-risk procedure. Surgeons who perform hip arthroscopy should be aware that age over 65 years is a risk factor for complications. These results may aid surgeons in counseling patients and may aid health systems in performing quality assessments.