Radiographic Risk Factors and Signs of Abductor Tears in the Hip
Authors
Hartigan DE, Perets I, Walsh JP, Mohr MR, Chaharbakhshi EO, Yuen LC, Domb BG
Journal: Arthroscopy. 2018 Aug;34(8):2389-2397.
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.039
PMID: 30078428
Background
This study identifies radiographic risk factors (RRFs) and signs of abductor tendon tears in the hip. Abductor tears can significantly affect hip function, and this study aims to provide radiographic predictors.
Methods
The study analyzed patients who underwent surgery for abductor tendon tears, using radiographs and MRI data to identify RRFs and signs of tendon pathology.
Key Findings
Patients with abductor tears exhibited a wider pelvis, longer abductor moment arm, and greater body weight moment arm. They also had a significantly higher incidence of greater trochanteric enthesophyte (41% vs. 3%). The presence of an enthesophyte had an odds ratio of 20.7 for predicting abductor tendon tears.
Conclusions
Radiographic signs, particularly the presence of an enthesophyte on the greater trochanter, are strong predictors of abductor tendon tears. These findings can guide clinicians in diagnosing and managing hip abductor pathology.
What Does This Mean for Patients
Patients with wider pelvises and greater trochanteric enthesophytes may be at higher risk for abductor tendon tears, and early intervention could help prevent worsening symptoms.
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.039