Are Femoroacetabular Impingement Tomographic Angles Associated with the Histological Assessment of Labral Tears? A Cadaveric Study
Authors
Ejnisman L, Domb BG, Souza F, Junqueira C, Vicente JRN, Croci AT
Journal: PLoS One. 2018 Jun 21;13(6):e0199352.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199352
PMID: 29928035
Background
This study investigates the association between femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) angles (such as alpha angle and center-edge angle) and histologically evaluated labral tears in a cadaveric sample.
Methods
Cadaveric hips were analyzed using computed tomography (CT) to measure FAI angles. The acetabular labrum was then dissected and evaluated histologically for tears. The study focused on cam and pincer lesions and their relationship with labral tears.
Key Findings
Higher alpha angles were associated with a higher incidence of labral tears. Pincer lesions did not correlate with labral tears, and no significant relationship was found between FAI angles and the Seldes classification of labral tears.
Conclusions
Higher alpha angles are linked to a greater likelihood of labral tears, suggesting that FAI, particularly cam lesions, is a key factor in labral pathology.
What Does This Mean for Patients
Patients with higher alpha angles may be at increased risk for labral tears, and early detection and intervention can help manage potential joint damage.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199352