Hip Arthroscopy for Femoro-Acetabular Impingement Syndrome

Threshold

Norfolk and Waveney ICB will routinely fund hip arthroscopy (from surgeons with specialist expertise in this type of surgery) in line with the requirements stipulated by NICE IPG 408, and only for patients who fulfil ALL of the following criteria:

• A definite diagnosis of hip impingement syndrome/femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) has been made by appropriate investigations, X-rays, MRI and CT scans.
• An appropriately qualified surgeon who specialises in young adult hip surgery has made the diagnosis in collaboration with a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist.
• The patient has had severe FAI symptoms (restriction of movement, pain and ‘clicking’) or significantly compromised functioning for at least 6 months.
• The symptoms have not responded to all available conservative treatment options including activity modification, drug therapy (NSAIDs) and specialist physiotherapy.

Referral is to a specialist surgeon with recognised skills and expertise in this area.

All patients must first by referred to the Musculoskeletal Assessment and Triage Service (MATS).

Cases for individual consideration

On a case-to-case basis, patients might be eligible for surgical intervention, in consideration of their exceptionality. The requesting clinician must provide information to support the case for being considered an exception, by submitting an individual funding request.