Incidence of radiographic findings of femoroacetabular impingement in a healthy Egyptian population: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a unique pathological problem affecting young adults. It can be defined as the impingement between the proximal femur and the acetabular rim. Although clinical presentation usually is hip pain, it can be asymptomatic. Radiographic FAI findings are quite common in a population of healthy young adults and must be correlated to the clinical presentation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of radiographic findings of FAI among a cohort of healthy Egyptian participants. Methods: From March 2017 to April 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted among a cohort of 160 Egyptians (100 men and 60 women) from 20 to 40 yr old. Anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral views were obtained for 320 hips. By using computer software (ICONICO Screen Protractor, ICONICO, Inc., New York, NY), we measured central edge crossover sign alpha angle and the acetabular index. Results: Pincer type FAI was found in 86 hips on the right side (53.27%) and in 104 hips on the left side (65%). Cam type of FAI was found in 54 hips on the right side (34.2%) and in 54 hips on the left side (34.2%). Mixed type was found in 26 hips on the right side (16.25%) and in 32 hips on the left side (20%). Conclusions: Radiographic FAI findings are quite common in Egyptian healthy young adults who have no hip symptoms. Clinical diagnosis is necessary for FAI and must be correlated with the radiographic data. Level of Evidence: Level II.