Acrocapitofemoral dysplasia: Novel mutation in IHH in two adult patients from the third family in the literature and progression of the disease.

Acrocapitofemoral dysplasia (ACFD) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia characterized by short stature with short limb dwarfism, brachydactyly, and a narrow thorax. Major radiographic features are egg-shaped capital femoral epiphyses with a short femoral neck and cone-shaped epiphyses, mainly in the hands and hips. To date, only four child patients from two families have been reported. We describe two adult patients with ACFD with a novel homozygous c.478C>T (p.Arg160Cys) mutation in IHH in the third family of the literature. The reported cases showed a middle phalanges which fused with distal phalanges in the fifth toes, the typical configuration of metacarpals, radial angulation and extremely short femoral neck. These findings could help the diagnosis of ACFD in adult patients. We hope that this new family will be a helpful guide for predicting and managing the prognosis of diagnosed children.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Femoral Torsion Angle Based on Tilting Angles of Femoral Neck and Condylar Axis.

Femoral anteversion has been assessed with ultrasound using femoral neck tilting angle (FN-TA); however, femoral torsion angle (FTA), which is defined using FN-TA and condylar axis tilting angle, has not been assessed with ultrasound. This study aimed to establish the ultrasonographic assessment of FTA (US-FTA) by comparing data obtained through US-FTA and computed tomography (CT). Twenty-one patients (age range, 38-82 y) with 21 intact hips were included. In the US-FTA, the femoral head and anterior tubercle of the greater trochanter were used as bony landmarks. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities and standard error of measurement (SEM) of US-FTA were 0.994 (SEM 0.93) and 0.994 (SEM 0.94), respectively. A strong agreement was found between FTA variables obtained with ultrasound and CT (R = 0.939, p < 0.001). Ultrasound is useful and can be a valid alternative to CT for the evaluation of the femoral torsion angle without radiation exposure.

[Modified neck-lengthening osteotomy after Morscher in children and adolescents]. / Modifizierte Schenkelhalsverlängerungsosteotomie nach Morscher bei Kindern und Jugendlichen.

OBJECTIVE: Growth disorders (e. g. caused by congenital hip dislocation, Perthes disease or bacterial coxitis) often lead to an infantile deformity of the proximal femur with a shortened femoral neck and displaced grater trochanter. In 1988, Morscher and Buess described a femoral neck lenghtening osteotomy for treatment of adults. For the first time, we show a modification of this osteotomy for children and adolescents with a locking plate system. The aim is to restore the normal anatomy of the femoral neck and biomechanics of the proximal femur. INDICATIONS: All symptomatic deformities of the proximal femur with a shortened femoral neck and a proximal displacement of the greater trochanter. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Bacterial coxitis within the last two years; elevated infections parameters. Acetabular dysplasia with a lack of femoral head containment. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Two osteotomies: one at the level of the greater trochanter to transfer it. The second osteotomy at the level of the distal femoral neck. Stabilization with a locking plate system (LCP Pediatric Hip Plate 130°, Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland). POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Full weight bearing to a body weight of 55 kg; partial weight bearing with a body weight >55 kg for 6 weeks. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in 5 female patients (mean age 11.67 years). After a follow-up of 6-12 weeks, none of the patients presented a Trendelenburg's sign. After 3-6 months, full range of motion was possible.

Rotational alignment of the knee is different in osteological specimens with and without a large cam deformity of the proximal femur.

PURPOSE: We studied a large osteological collection for differences in knee rotation based upon the presence or absence of a large cam deformity of the proximal femur. METHODS: We obtained 357 matched tibiae and femora from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection and measured: femoral head-neck alpha angle, anteroposterior axis (or Whiteside's line) at the distal femur relative to the posterior condylar axis, and position of the tibial tubercle with respect to the posterior condylar axis of the proximal tibia. We then divided these specimens into two groups based upon alpha angle <45° (Group 1, n = 73) or alpha angle >60° (Group 2, n = 122) and performed an independent samples t-test to evaluate for differences in measured parameters between groups using this subset of specimens. RESULTS: The mean alpha angles in Group 1 and 2 were 40.9° ± 3.3° and 67.0° ± 5.6°, respectively. Whiteside's line was externally rotated with respect to the posterior femoral condylar axis by a mean of 1.8° ± 6.8° in Group 1, vs. 3.0° ± 3.7° in Group 2 (p = 0.03). The tibial tubercle was externally rotated by a mean of 19.4° ± 6.8° in Group 1, versus 16.6° ± 5.1° in Group 2 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Specimens with femoral head-neck alpha angle >60° demonstrated greater external rotation of the distal femur and a more internally-rotated tibial tubercle compared to specimens with an alpha angle <45°. Differences in anatomic characteristics of the knee may play a role in the development of patellofemoral pain in patients with a large cam deformity.

Cam Deformity and Acetabular Dysplasia as Risk Factors for Hip Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Cam deformity and acetabular dysplasia have been recognized as relevant risk factors for hip osteoarthritis (OA) in a few prospective studies with limited sample sizes. To date, however, no evidence is available from prospective studies regarding whether the magnitude of these associations differs according to sex, body mass index (BMI), and age. METHODS: Participants in the Rotterdam Study cohort including men and women ages 55 years or older without OA at baseline (n = 4,438) and a mean follow-up of 9.2 years were included in the study. Incident radiographic OA was defined as a Kellgren/Lawrence grade of ≥2 or a total hip replacement at follow-up. Alpha and center-edge angles were measured to determine the presence of cam deformity and acetabular dysplasia/pincer deformity, respectively. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess the associations between both deformities and the development of OA. RESULTS: Subjects with cam deformity (OR 2.11, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.55-2.87) and those with acetabular dysplasia (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.50-3.21) had a 2-fold increased risk of developing OA compared with subjects without deformity, while pincer deformity did not increase the risk of OA. Stratification analyses showed that the associations of cam deformity and acetabular dysplasia with OA were driven by younger individuals, whereas BMI did not influence the associations. Female sex appears to modify the risk of hip OA related to acetabular dysplasia. CONCLUSION: Individuals with cam deformity and those with acetabular dysplasia are predisposed to OA; these associations were independent of other well-known risk factors. Interestingly, both deformities predisposed to OA only in relatively young individuals. Therefore, early identification of these conditions is important.

Femoral Morphology in the Dysplastic Hip: Three-dimensional Characterizations With CT.

BACKGROUND: Hip dysplasia represents a spectrum of complex deformities on both sides of the joint. Although many studies have described the acetabular side of the deformity, to our knowledge, little is known about the three-dimensional (3-D) head and neck offset differences of the femora of dysplastic hips. A thorough knowledge of proximal femoral anatomy is important to prevent potential impingement and improve results after acetabular reorientation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Are there common proximal femoral characteristics in patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)? (2) Where is the location of maximal femoral head and neck offset deformity in hip dysplasia? (3) Do certain subgroups of dysplastic hips more commonly have cam-type femoral morphology? (4) Is there a relationship between hip ROM as well as impingement testing and 3-D head and neck offset deformity? METHODS: Using our hip preservation database, 153 hips (148 patients) underwent PAO from October 2013 to July 2015. We identified 103 hips in 100 patients with acetabular dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] < 20°) and who had a Tönnis grade of 0 or 1. Eighty-six patients (86%) underwent preoperative low-dose pelvic CT scans at our institution as part of the preoperative planning for PAO. It is currently our standard to obtain preoperative low-dose pelvic CT scans (0.75-1.25 mSv, equivalent to three to five AP pelvis radiographs) on all patients before they undergo PAO unless a prior CT scan is performed at an outside institution. Hips with a history of a neuromuscular disorder, prior trauma, prior surgery, radiographic evidence of joint degeneration, ischemic necrosis, or Perthes-like deformities were excluded. Fifty hips in 50 patients met inclusion criteria and had CT scans available for review. Hips were analyzed with Dyonics Plan software and characterized with regard to version, neck-shaft angle, femoral head diameter, head and neck offset, femoral neck length, femoral offset, head center height, trochanteric height, and alpha angle. The maximum head and neck offset deformity was assessed using an entire clockface and an alpha angle ≥ 55° defined coexisting cam morphology. Subgroups included severity of lateral dysplasia: mild (LCEA 15°-20°) and moderate/severe (LCEA < 15°). Femoral version subgroups were defined as normal (5°-20°), decreased (≤ 5°), or increased (> 20°). The senior author (JCC) performed all physical examination testing. RESULTS: The mean LCEA was 14° (±4°), whereas the mean femoral anteversion was 19° (±12°). Eight hips (16%) demonstrated relative femoral retroversion (≤ 5°), whereas 26 (52%) showed excessive femoral anteversion (> 20°). Four hips (8%) had ≥ 35° of femoral anteversion. The mean neck-shaft angle was 136° (±5°). The mean maximum alpha location was 2:00 o'clock (±45 minutes) and the mean maximum alpha angle was 52° (±6°). Minimum head-neck offset ratio was located at 1:30 with a mean of 0.14 (±0.03). An anterior head-neck offset ratio of ≤ 0.17 or an alpha angle ≥ 55° was found in 43 (86%) of hips. Twenty-one dysplastic hips (42%) had an alpha angle ≥ 55°. Mildly dysplastic hips had decreased femoral head and neck offset (9 ± 1) and head and neck offset ratio (0.20 ± 0.03) at 12 o'clock compared with moderate/severe dysplastic hips (10 ± 1 and 0.22 ± 0.03, respectively; p = 0.04 and p = 0.01). With the numbers available, we found that hips with excessive femoral anteversion (> 20°) had no difference in the alpha angle at 3 o'clock (42 ± 7) compared with hips with relative femoral retroversion (≤ 5°; 48 ± 4; p = 0.06). No other differences in femoral morphology were found between hips with mild or moderate/severe dysplasia or in the femoral version subgroups with the numbers available. Anterior impingement test was positive in 76% of hips with an alpha angle ≥ 55° and 83% of the hips with an alpha angle ≤ 55°. No correlation was found between proximal femoral morphology and preoperative ROM. CONCLUSIONS: In this subset of dysplastic hips, cam deformity of the femoral head and neck was present in 42% of hips with maximal head-neck deformity at 2 o'clock, and 82% had reduced head-neck offset at the 1:30 point. We conclude that cam-type deformities and decreased head-neck offset in developmental dysplasia of the hip are common. Patients should be closely assessed for need of a head and neck osteochondroplasty, especially after acetabular correction. Future prospective studies should evaluate the influence of proximal femoral anatomy on surgical results of PAO for dysplastic hips. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic study.

Measuring femoral neck torsion angle using femoral neck oblique axial computed tomography reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To propose a novel method for measuring the femoral neck torsion angle (FNTA) with femoral neck oblique axial computed tomography (CT) reconstruction. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (24 females, 31 males; mean age 48.8 years [range, 20-91 years]) were included in the study. CT scans were performed on the left femurs of 27 patients and the right femurs of the remaining 28 patients. The images were analyzed independently by two observers using oblique axial femoral neck CT reconstruction. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreement was calculated as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: FNTA can be measured with high intra-observer (ICC = 0.961) and high inter-observer (ICC = 0.982) agreement. Mean FNTA was slightly larger in women than in men, and the mean left FNTA was slightly larger than the right, but neither difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral neck oblique axial CT reconstruction can be used to obtain accurate measurement of FNTA with good reproducibility. No significant differences were found in FNTA between sexes or sides.

Incidence, Magnitude, and Predictors of Shortening in Young Femoral Neck Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and magnitude of femoral neck fracture shortening in patients age younger than 60 years. Secondarily, to examine predictors of fracture shortening. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level I trauma centre. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five patients with a median age of 51 years (interquartile range: 42-56 years) were included. Seventy-one percent were male, 75% were displaced fractures, and 78% were treated with cancellous screws. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation with multiple cancellous screws or sliding hip screw (SHS) + derotation screw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic femoral neck shortening at a minimum of 6 weeks after fixation. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of patients had ≥5 mm of femoral neck shortening (22% had between ≥5 and <10 mm and 32% ≥10 mm). Initially, displaced fractures shortened more than undisplaced fractures (mean: 8.1 vs. 2.2 mm, P < 0.001), and fractures treated with SHS + derotation screw shortened more than fractures with cancellous screws alone (10.7 vs. 5.5 mm, P = 0.03). Even when adjusting for initial fracture displacement, fractures treated with SHS + derotation screw shortened an average of 2.2 mm more than fractures treated with screws alone (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of clinically significant shortening in our young femoral neck fracture population was higher than anticipated, and 32% of patients experienced severe shortening of >1 cm. Our findings highlight the need for further research to determine the impact of severe shortening on functional outcome and to determine if implant selection affects fracture shortening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Three-dimensional measurement of femoral neck anteversion and neck shaft angle.

We present a three-dimensional measurement technique for femoral neck anteversion and neck shaft angles which do not require alignment of the femoral and scanner axes. Two assessors performed the measurements on 11 patients (22 femurs). Repeatability between assessors was 2.7 degrees for femoral neck anteversion and 4.8 degrees for neck shaft angle. Measurements compared with an alternative single slice method were different by 2 degrees (3 degrees) in average. The method was repeatable and appropriate for clinical practice.

The role of femoral neck anteversion in the development of osteoarthritis in dysplastic hips.

There have been several studies examining the association between the morphological characteristics seen in acetabular dysplasia and the incidence of the osteoarthritis (OA). However, most studies focus mainly on acetabular morphological analysis, and few studies have scrutinised the effect of femoral morphology. In this study we enrolled 36 patients with bilateral acetabular dysplasia and early or mid-stage OA in one hip and no OA in the contralateral hip. CT scans were performed from the iliac crest to 2 cm inferior to the tibial tuberosity, and the morphological characteristics of both acetabulum and femur were studied. In addition, 200 hips in 100 healthy volunteer Chinese adults formed a control group. The results showed that the dysplastic group with OA had a significantly larger femoral neck anteversion and a significantly shorter abductor lever arm than both the dysplastic group without OA and the controls. Femoral neck anteversion had a significant negative correlation with the length of the abductor lever arm and we conclude that it may contribute to the development of OA in dysplastic hips.

Mechanical factors explain development of cam-type deformity.

OBJECTIVE: A cam-type deformity drastically increases the risk of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Since this type of skeletal anomaly is more prevalent among young active adults, it is hypothesized that the loading conditions experienced during certain types of vigorous physical activities stimulates formation of cam-type deformity. We further hypothesize that the growth plate shape modulates the influence of mechanical factors on the development of cam-type deformity. DESIGN: We used finite element (FE) models of the proximal femur with an open growth plate to study whether mechanical factors could explain the development of cam-type deformity in adolescents. Four different loading conditions (representing different types of physical activities) and three different levels of growth plate extension towards the femoral neck were considered. Mechanical stimuli at the tissue level were calculated by means of the osteogenic index (OI) for all loading conditions and growth plate shape variations. RESULTS: Loading conditions and growth plate shape influence the distribution of OI in hips with an open growth plate, thereby driving the development of cam-type deformity. In particular, specific types of loads experienced during physical activities and a larger growth plate extension towards the femoral neck increase the chance of cam-type deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Specific loading patterns seem to stimulate the development of cam-type deformity by modifying the distribution of the mechanical stimulus. This is in line with recent clinical studies and reveals mechanobiological mechanisms that trigger the development of cam-type deformity. Avoiding these loading patterns during skeletal growth might be a potential preventative strategy for future hip OA.

Are cam and pincer deformities as common as dysplasia in Japanese patients with hip pain?

In Japan, osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip secondary to acetabular dysplasia is very common, and there are few data concerning the pathogeneses and incidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have attempted to clarify the radiological prevalence of painful FAI in a cohort of Japanese patients and to investigate the radiological findings. We identified 176 symptomatic patients (202 hips) with Tönnis grade 0 or 1 osteoarthritis, whom we prospectively studied between August 2011 and July 2012. There were 61 men (65 hips) and 115 women (137 hips) with a mean age of 51.8 years (11 to 83). Radiological analyses included the α-angle, centre-edge angle, cross-over sign, pistol grip deformity and femoral head neck ratio. Of the 202 hips, 79 (39.1%) had acetabular dysplasia, while 80 hips (39.6%) had no known aetiology. We found evidence of FAI in 60 hips (29.7%). Radiological FAI findings associated with cam deformity were the most common. There was a significant relationship between the pistol grip deformity and both the α-angle (p < 0.001) and femoral head-neck ratio (p = 0.024). Radiological evidence of symptomatic FAI was not uncommon in these Japanese patients.

Femoral head asymmetry and coxa magna: anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: Coxa magna, the asymmetrical circumferential enlargement of the femoral head, is an important sequela of pediatric disorders such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Definitions vary because of lack of controls and a scarcity of research on the distribution of the femoral head asymmetry. This study aims at defining the normal distribution of asymmetry between the left and the right femoral head and neck in the population and how demographics affect these properties. The study also looked at the distribution of side dominance (left or right). METHODS: This study measured 230 paired femurs from individuals (20 to 40 y old) distributed for sex and ethnicity. The height and weight of the individuals were also recorded. The femoral head diameter and minimal femoral neck diameter in the anteroposterior view were measured on each paired femurs. The absolute and percent differences were determined to define asymmetry. RESULTS: Most of the population fell within 3% of asymmetry for the femoral head and 4% for the femoral neck. The maximum head percent asymmetry was 7.4%. Absolute difference in millimeters to percent asymmetry showed a ratio of 2:1 for the femoral head and 3:1 for the femoral neck. African Americans showed greater femoral head symmetry and a bias toward left-sided femoral head and neck enlargement when compared with their white counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high degree of symmetry between the left and right femoral heads and necks, which supports definitions found in the literature that define coxa magna above 10%. This study defines asymmetry in the femoral head in the normal population, which will help to define a quantitative definition of coxa magna.

Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in the adolescent patient is becoming increasingly recognized. A number of morphologic variants can lead to abnormal abutment of the femoral neck against the acetabular rim. Unrecognized FAI can lead to the development of secondary hip disorders including osteoarthritis. FAI is both a clinical and radiographic diagnosis and requires a thorough and complete understanding to diagnose appropriately. A precise history and comprehensive physical examination is paramount. Radiographs and advanced imaging techniques help to confirm the diagnosis.

MPR realignment increases accuracy when measuring femoral neck anteversion angle.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two methods of measuring femoral neck anteversion angle (FNA): A 2D method used at Odense University Hospital until 2010, and a method labeled 3D-OUH. The latter method makes corrections to compensate for errors introduced by the individual placement of patients in the CT scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six CT-examined patients were included: nine men and 17 women. The right side FNA was measured twice with each method by one observer, measuring intraobserver variability. Both methods are based on the following anatomy: femoral head center, center at the level of lesser trochanter and posterior apex of the femoral condyles. The 3D-OUH method corrects for the individual orientation of femur by realigning it prior to measurement, in accordance to Murphy et al.'s original definition of FNA. The intercondylar notch center of the knee and center at lesser trochanter was used in the realignment. RESULTS: The 2D method significantly overestimated FNA compared to 3D-OUH by 4.2° (95 % CI: 2.8°; 5.6°), p < 0.0001. All measurements with the 3D method needed clock-wise correction in the coronal plane, suggesting patient positioning as a consistent source of overestimation by the 2D method. The 3D-OUH method had a lower intraobserver variability with a limit of agreement (LOA) of -2.4° to 2.1° against that of the 2D method of -3.4° to 3.8° CONCLUSIONS: Mean anteversion was 4.2° (95 % CI: 2.8°; 5.6°) lower with the 3D-OUH method than with the 2D method. The 3D-OUH method eliminated an obvious source of error, namely the individual orientation of femur during CT-examination. Moreover, intraobserver variability was improved with the 3D-OUH method.

Reduced head-neck offset in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head have in common that they trigger intravascular coagulation and thus lead to devascularization of the femoral head. In part of the patients, however, no risk factors seem to be evident. Mechanical reasons contributing to nontraumatic osteonecrosis have not been discussed so far. We hypothesized that recurrent traumatization of the vessels supplying the femoral head by a cam-type mechanism as in femoroacetabular impingement could add to intravascular coagulation. We, therefore, asked whether structural abnormalities at the femoral head-neck junction indicative of such a mechanism could be observed in radiographs of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 77 patients who underwent surgery because of osteonecrosis of the femoral head were retrospectively screened for a reduced head-neck offset by measuring the α-angle. For comparison, the α-angle was measured on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 339 control subjects without evident underlying hip pathology. RESULTS: The mean α-angle was 62.8° (SD 18.7°) for anteroposterior and 67.6° (SD 13.2°) for lateral radiographs in patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head, whereas in control subjects, the mean α-angle was 47.2° (SD 9.6°) (p < 0.0001) and 47.6° (SD 10.3°) (p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A reduced head-neck offset in patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head may act as a mechanical (co-)factor in developing osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Cam type femoro-acetabular impingement: quantifying the diagnosis using three dimensional head-neck ratios.

OBJECTIVE: Cam hips are commonly quantified using the two-dimensional α angle. The accuracy of this measurement may be affected by patient position and the technician's experience. In this paper, we describe a method of measurement that provides a quantitative definition of cam hips based upon three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 47 (24 cam, 23 normal) femurs were segmented. A sphere was fitted to the articulating surface of the femoral head, the radius (r) recorded, and the femoral neck axis obtained. The cross sectional area at four locations spanning the head neck junction (r/4, r/2, 3r/4 and r), perpendicular to the neck axis, was measured. The ratios (Neck/Head) between the areas at each cut relative to the surface area at the head centre were calculated and aggregated. RESULTS: Normal and cam hips were significantly different: the sum of the head-neck ratios (HNRs) of the cam hips were always smaller than normal hips (p < 0.01). A cut off point of 2.55 with no overlap was found between the two groups, with HNRs larger than this being cam hips, and smaller being normal ones. CONCLUSION: Owing to its sensitivity and repeatability, the method could be used to confirm or refute the clinical diagnosis of a cam hip. Furthermore it can be used as a tool to measure the outcome of cam surgery.

The prevalence of acetabular anomalies associated with pistol-grip-deformity in osteoarthritic hips.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular retroversion, excessive acetabular coverage and abnormal head-neck-junction with a so-called "pistol-grip-deformity" were added to the classical description of hip dysplasia to describe pathological hip morphology. The aim of the current study was the detection of pathological acetabular geometry in patients with an abnormal head-neck-junction. HYPOTHESIS: Femoroacetabular impingement and hip dysplasia features are frequent in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis before 60 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed our data bank retrospectively for all patients who received a Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) due to end-stage osteoarthritis before the age of 60 years. The pelvic-views and the Dunn-view of these patients were screened for an abnormal head-neck-junction by measuring the head-ratio and the alpha-angle. An orthopaedic surgeon and a radiologist did this independently. These radiographies were measured for signs of acetabular dysplasia, excessive acetabular coverage and crossing sign. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 135 total hip arthroplasties were performed in patients aged less or equal to 60 years because of end-stage osteoarthritis. From these, 81 patients were classified as having an abnormal head-neck-junction. The mean head-ratio in these 81 patients was 1.52±0.35, the mean alpha-angle was 62.5°±9.3°. The mean CE-angle of these 81 patients was 35.8°±10.4°, the mean CA-angle was 36.7°±5.7°, the mean depth-width ratio was 49.1±10, the mean extrusion index was 19.1±9.2 and the mean CCD-angle was 131.7°±7.3°. Of these 81hips, 14 had isolated pistol-grip-deformity, while 11 hips had associated dysplasia, 38 had excessive acetabular coverage, and 14 had crossing sign. In addition, a crossing sign was identified in four of the 11 dysplastic hips and 19 of the 38 of the hips having excessive acetabular coverage. There was no statistically significant difference in regard to the age between the four groups (P=0.087). In contrast, the hips that had excessive acetabular coverage had increased CE-angle (44.6°±7.2°) and decreased extrusion index (12.6±6.5) (P<0.001), while dysplastic hips had increased roof obliquity (17.5°±4.5°) and increased extrusion index (29.6±9.1), as well as decreased CE-angle (20.7°±3.0°) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a high coincidence of radiographic findings associated with an abnormal head-neck-junction consisting in excessive acetabular coverage and retroversion as well as hip dysplasia. These results advocate for restoring of the normal anatomy at the early stage to prevent end-stage osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV retrospective historical study.

Periacetabular osteotomy and combined femoral head-neck junction osteochondroplasty: a minimum two-year follow-up cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral deformities and overcorrection of the acetabulum both can result in secondary femoroacetabular impingement and suboptimal clinical results after periacetabular osteotomy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the rate of complications, the need for reoperations, radiographic correction, and hip function among patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy and combined femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty as compared with those who underwent periacetabular osteotomy alone. METHODS: Patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy with or without osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction were evaluated retrospectively after a minimum duration of follow-up of two years. We compared the two groups with regard to the modified Harris hip score, radiographic correction, complications, and reoperations. RESULTS: Forty patients (forty hips) who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in conjunction with a femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty were compared with forty-eight patients (forty-eight hips) who underwent an isolated periacetabular osteotomy. Patients were evaluated after a mean duration of follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 2.0 to 9.7 years). Preoperatively, the modified Harris hip score (and standard deviation) was 64.3 ± 13.2 for the study group and 63.2 ± 13.4 for the comparison group. At the time of the latest follow-up, the modified Harris hip score was not significantly different between the study group and the comparison group (p = 0.17). Patients demonstrated equivalent preoperative deformities and postoperative acetabular radiographic parameters. There was a significant decrease in the alpha angle and improvement in head-neck offset in the study group. There was one reoperation for secondary impingement and/or labral pathology in the study group, compared with four reoperations in the comparison group. There were no adhesions requiring surgery, femoral neck fractures, instances of osteonecrosis, or increases in heterotopic ossification in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral head-neck junction osteochondroplasty performed concurrently with a periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and associated femoral head-neck junction deformities is not associated with an increased complication rate. This combined procedure provides effective correction of associated femoral head-neck deformities and produces similar early functional outcomes when compared with isolated periacetabular osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

[A method to avoid lengthening lower limbs after total hip arthroplasty in patients with congenital short femoral neck].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the method to avoid lengthening lower limbs after total hip arthroplasty in patients with congenital short femoral neck. METHODS: The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively from 38 patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty between April 2005 and December 2010. There were 26 males and 12 females, aged 45-78 years (mean, 62.3 years). Among these cases, there were 11 cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, 17 cases of hip osteoarthritis, and 10 cases of femoral neck fracture. Before operation, 29 cases had leg length discrepancy; and the shortened length of the legs was 10-24 mm with an average of 14.5 mm by clinical measurement, and was 11-25 mm with an average of 14.7 mm by X-ray film measurement. The Harris score before operation was 44.0 +/- 3.6. RESULTS: At 1 day after operation, 3 cases had legs lengthening by clinical and X-ray film measurement; limb length difference less than 10 mm was regarded as equal limb length in the other 35 patients (92.1%). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication of infection or lower limb deep venous thrombosis occurred. In 3 patients who had legs lengthening, 1 patient had abnormal gait and slight limping after increasing heel pad because the lower limb was lengthened by 16 mm, and 2 patients had slight limping. The other patients could walk normally and achieved pain relief of hip. Thirty-six patients were followed up 12-68 months (mean, 43.8 months). The Harris score was 86.7 +/- 2.3 after 6 months, showing significant difference (t = 3.260, P = 0.031) when compared with that before operation. The X-ray films showed no prosthetic loosening or subsidence. CONCLUSION: For patients with congenital short femoral neck during total hip arthroplasty, the surgeons should pay attention to osteotomy plane determination, limb length measurement, and use of the prosthesis with collar to avoid the lengthening lower limbs.