Radiographic Prevalence of Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Young Population with Hip Complaints Is High
Abstract
Background Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is reportedly a prearthritic condition in young adults that can progress to osteoarthritis. However, the prevalence of FAI is unknown in the young, active population presenting with hip complaints. Questions/purposes We sought to determine (1) the prevalence of radiographic findings of FAI in a young, active patient population with complaints localized to the region of the hip presenting to primary care and orthopaedic clinics; (2) the percentage of films with FAI with an official reading suggesting the diagnosis; and (3) whether the Tonnis grades of osteoarthritis corresponded to the findings of FAI. Methods We performed a database review of pelvic and hip radiographs obtained from 157 young (mean age 32 years; range, 18 50 years) patients presenting with hip-related complaints to primary care and orthopaedic clinics. Radiographs were analyzed for signs of FAI (herniation pits, pistol grip deformity, center-edge angle, alpha angle, and crossover sign) and Tonnis grade. Radiology reports were reviewed for a diagnosis of FAI. Results At least one finding of FAI was found in 135 of the 155 patients (87%). Four hundred thirteen of 487 radiographs (85%) had been read as normal and one read as showing FAI. Tonnis grades did not correlate with radiographic signs of FAI. Conclusions Radiographic evidence of FAI is common in active patients with hip complaints. Increased awareness of FAI in primary care, radiology, and orthopaedic clinics and additional research into the long-term effects of manage- ment are warranted. Level of Evidence Level II, diagnostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. Introduction FAI is considered by some authors to be a prearthritic condition leading to chondral and labral lesions of the hip, which may progress to degenerative joint disease [ 6 , 11 , 12 ].
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA630338
Entities
People
- Jeanne C. Patzkowski
- Joseph R. Hsu
- Laura Dawson
- Leah M. Ochoa
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research