Previously we discussed the Australian government announcing a cut to funding for hip arthroscopy in the management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome. This took affect on the 1st November 2016. Specifically it incorporated the removal of FAI from three billing codes. 48424: Femur or Pelvis Osteotomy/Osteectomy 49303: Hip Arthrotomy 49366: Hip Arthroscopic Surgery Billing rates for these item…read more

Hip arthroscopy versus sham surgery for patients with impingement or labral tears: A randomised, controlled trial and longitudinal cohort study (HIPARTI) Prof Kay Crossley, Dr Joanne Kemp   Hip arthroscopy is a relatively new procedure and technically more demanding than arthroscopy of the other joints (shoulder, knee, ankle wrist). The number of hip arthroscopies has…read more

Traditionally research has focused on isometric muscle strength assessment in people with knee cap (patellofemoral) pain, consistently reporting that it is reduced. In this novel study, we evaluated rate of force development in females with and without knee cap pain. Our question was – do females with knee cap pain also have reduced hip muscle power?…read more

The annual APA Physiotherapy Breakfast is always a highlight of the year and 2016 was no exception. A large crowd of physiotherapists and their medical guests assembled at an ungodly hour one Friday morning to mingle with old friends and colleagues, and listen to the latest cutting edge research. The gig as keynote speaker on…read more

The Australian government has just announced it will cut funding for hip arthroscopy in the management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome. In outlining the 2016-2017 budget, the ‘Medicare Benefit Schedule’ states in relation to hip arthroscopy: “revised MBS items for hip arthroscopy services which will limit the items to the management of non-femoroacetabular impingement indications.” These changes will…read more

Osteoarthritis effects 3.9 million Australians, costing the economy $24.9 billion. $9.4 billion is lost because people can’t work. Arthritis can effect many joints in the body. The most common joints are in the spine, knee and hip. People with arthritis have pain and inflammation in affected joints which often means they can’t participate in normal recreational and work activities. Because…read more

“A lot of common exercises don’t provide the level of activity we think we would need for muscle hypertrophy.” – Adam Semciw  (26.8.16). More than 100 people turned out to La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre’s Hip and Groin Symposium on Friday August 26. I had the pleasure of speaking to a few of the…read more

Patients presenting with hip and groin pain are a diagnostic challenge for the sports medicine practitioner. Correct diagnosis is difficult due to close proximity of joint, tendon, ligament and neural tissue.  In addition, there is the potential for remote musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal structures to refer into the area. Two of best articles I have read…read more

“What causes Femoroacetabular Impingement?”: What causes cam deformity and femoroacetabular impingement: still too many questions to provide answers. (Agricola & Weinans. 2015) Why I like it: Short paper on where the current understanding is on the development of FAI. It provides a succinct summary on where the research is at on the development of the CAM lesion and the…read more

What is FAI? FAI is caused by a bony growth abnormality of either the femur (thigh bone) called a CAM, acetabulum (socket) called a pincer or both. These abnormalities often cause an abutment of the hip joint during certain movements, namely flexion and rotation, resulting in a pinching sensation at the hip or pain; most…read more