Rehabilitation and return to sport after bilateral open surgery for femoroacetabular impingement in a professional ice hockey player: A case report

• Hip open surgery is an option for treating FAI-related pathologies.
• We used a standardized physical therapy protocol after hip open surgery.
• Successful return to sport after hip open surgery for an ice hockey player.
• Iliotibial band dehiscence can occur after hip open surgery.
• Iliotibial band dehiscence impairs hip abductor strength after hip open surgery.

Study designCase report.BackgroundThe aim of this case report was to describe the rehabilitation and return to sport of a professional ice hockey player with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) after bilateral open hip surgery.Case descriptionA 21-year-old professional ice hockey player with symptomatic FAI underwent bilateral surgical hip dislocations within a 6-week time period. After the second surgery (right hip), he experienced right hip pain due to iliotibial band dehiscence, which required additional revision surgery. The athlete underwent a standardized rehabilitation protocol. Hip muscle strength was objectively assessed during rehabilitation.OutcomesIliotibial band dehiscence did not allow the athlete to increase ipsilateral hip abductor strength. This prolonged the rehabilitation period for 12 weeks. The athlete returned to training on the ice without physical contact and to competitive matchplay after 7 and 8 months, respectively.DiscussionThis case report showed that iliotibial band dehiscence occurred after open hip surgery and delayed the return to sport of this athlete. Standardized rehabilitation following bilateral open hip surgery was however successful for the return to sport of this professional ice hockey player with bilateral symptomatic FAI.