Editorial Commentary: Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy-Am I Better, Improved, or Who Knows?

Abstract

Patient-reported outcomes are critical in the evaluation of the success of hip arthroscopy. Many different outcome scores are currently being used; however, that is a totally different subject. Most scores range from 0 to 100 or use some type of scale. The question becomes, Is a good outcome a score of 70 or 90? In many cases, it depends on the patient and his or her personal experiences. One way we gauge whether the patient is better is to use summary scores, which provide us with general goals for improvement. These include the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit. While these are being defined, they can be used to help gauge patients' progress and provide improved treatment of patients.