Lived experiences of individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a qualitative investigation.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing rate of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), very little research has examined the lived experiences of individuals scheduled to undergo hip arthroscopy for FAIS. This study aimed to understand the experiences of individuals aged 18 and older with a planned hip arthroscopy for FAIS and to present the findings through their voices. Understanding the lived experiences of patients with FAIS may inform the development of preoperative preparation programs that meet the needs of this growing population. METHODS: We conducted 12 semi-structured telephone interviews with individuals aged 18 and older with FAIS (women = 9, men = 3, age = 39 ± 18.8 years). All participants were scheduled for a hip arthroscopy for FAIS within 30 days of the interview. Interviews were conducted between March 2023 and February 2024. Data were analyzed using the methods of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. RESULTS: We identified eight themes during data analysis, which we divided into three categories: impact of hip condition (chronic pain, emotional and mental well-being, activities of daily living), views toward surgery and the rehabilitation process (optimism, pessimism), and perceived facilitators to recovery following hip arthroscopy (information gathering, preparation for surgery, social support). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the need for interventions that promote social, emotional, and mental well-being in individuals with a planned hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Preoperative preparation programs that seek to provide comprehensive emotional and cognitive preparation for hip arthroscopy for FAIS and recovery from surgery may be warranted.