Alpha Angle Research Articles

Modified trochanteric triplane osteotomy for chronic moderate to severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis - a preliminary report.

Management of chronic moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains controversial. We propose that the modified trochanteric triplane osteotomy(MTTO) with a 1300 angled blade plate, without removal of bone wedge, is effective for addressing moderate and severe chronic SCFE. A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent MTTO for moderate to severe chronic SCFE, with at least two years follow-up. Radiological outcomes assessed were osteotomy union, alpha angle, neck shaft angle, mechanical axis deviation and limb length discrepancy(LLD). Functional outcomes were assessed using modified Harris hip score, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and SF-36 questionnaire. A total of 11 patients (13 hips) underwent MTTO for chronic SCFE, with a mean age of 12.9 ± 2.1 years. The pre-operative median modified Harris Hip Score was 73. 12 had severe slip and one had moderate slip. All the osteotomies went on to unite by two months. At an average of 37 months follow up, the mean neck shaft angle was 1290, mean alpha angle was 69.70, and mean LLD was 1.05cm. There was significant improvement in the post-operative modified Harris hip score (p < 0.001), the median post-operative modified Harris hip score was 96, and the median LEFS was 78. One case had bone scan evidence of AVN, but did well with bisphosphonate therapy and one case had a superficial infection. MTTO is a safe and effective option for addressing deformities in chronic moderate and severe SCFE. However, a residual proximal femoral Cam deformity persists after this procedure which may need to be treated with a simultaneous or a staged osteochondroplasty.

Evaluation of Preoperative Factors That Affect the Alpha Angle of Screw Insertion After the Open Latarjet Procedure.

The open Latarjet procedure yields excellent results as a treatment for anterior shoulder instability. The position of the bony fragment and the insertion angle of the screw (the alpha angle) are critical factors for a successful procedure. The alpha angle is considered overangulated at >25°, which is associated with poor bone fixation and healing. To assess preoperative patient anatomic factors that affect the alpha angle in the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. In this retrospective study, 76 patients who underwent the open Latarjet procedure between October 2009 and December 2023 were included. Postoperative computed tomography scans were reviewed for the alpha angle, and patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1 (alpha angle ≥25°) and group 2 (alpha angle <25°). Preoperative patient characteristics and radiological parameters obtained from preoperative computed tomography scans were analyzed and compared between groups 1 and 2. We developed a novel method to measure the depth of the chest and the angle between the deltopectoral interval and the plane of screw insertion. We also measured the thickness of the pectoralis major and subscapularis muscles. Of the 76 patients in this study, 41 and 35 patients were included in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean alpha angles of groups 1 and 2 were 36° and 12°, respectively, and the body mass index was significantly higher in group 1 (P < .001). In addition, group 1 had a significantly longer distance from the anterior edge of the glenoid to the skin margin of the deltopectoral interval (P < .001). The angle between the deltopectoral interval and the plane of screw insertion (traction angle) was significantly larger in group 1 (P < .001), and the pectoralis major and subscapularis muscles were thicker in group 1 (P = .017 and P = .032, respectively). The alpha angle after the Latarjet procedure was strongly related to the patient's weight, body mass index, depth of the chest, and the angle between the deltopectoral interval and the plane of screw insertion. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the preoperative factors that facilitate proper screw fixation in the Latarjet procedure are reported.

Risk of Maxillary Canine Impaction in Pediatric Patients with Maxillary Constriction: Retrospective Study on Panoramic Dental Images

The maxillary canine is the second most commonly impacted tooth after the maxillary third molar. Identifying risk factors for impaction is crucial for timely intervention; panoramic radiographs are particularly valuable for screening and identification purposes. This study aims to explore the association between transverse maxillary deficiency with bilateral crossbite, and the risk of maxillary canine impaction. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on records of pediatric patients (7–13 years old) undergoing orthodontic evaluations. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed to assess the risk of canine impaction using the sectorial method, distance from the occlusal plane, and the alpha angle. Results from 48 canines of patients with transverse maxillary deficiency and bilateral crossbite were compared to canines of sex- and age-matched patients without these malocclusions. Statistical analysis was performed by the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene’s test, or a t-test. There were no significant differences in high-risk canine impaction between groups when considering sector classification or distance from the occlusal plane. However, the control group showed a significantly higher risk according to the alpha angle (≥25°). No overall significant difference in risk was observed, suggesting that transverse maxillary deficiency with bilateral crossbite may not increase the risk of maxillary canine impaction.

Correlation of angle kappa and angle alpha on visual outcomes in eyes implanted with three types of multifocal intraocular lenses.

To evaluate the correlation between preoperative, postoperative, and change in angle kappa and alpha to visual outcomes following implantation of three multifocal intraocular lenses. This is a retrospective study which included 122 eyes of 61 patients. There were 38 eyes in the Synergy (Johnson & Johnson, USA) group and 42 eyes each from both the Panoptix (Alcon Laboratories, USA) and FineVision (Physiol BVI, Belgium) groups. Visual outcome parameters (uncorrected distance, intermediate, near vision, halo and starburst) and angle kappa and alpha were recorded preoperatively and at three months postoperatively. The preoperative, postoperative and the amount of change in angle kappa and alpha were correlated to visual outcomes and photic phenomena among the three different diffractive trifocal IOLs. There were no significant differences in the preoperative and postoperative magnitude of angle kappa and alpha among the Synergy, Panoptix, and FineVision groups. There was no significant correlation between the preoperative and postoperative magnitude, and change in angle kappa and alpha with the postoperative uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity, and halo and starburst scores of the three different diffractive IOLs. The frequency of eyes with greater than 0.5mm angle kappa and alpha values were low. Visual outcomes can be good even in eyes in which the angle kappa and alpha were greater than 0.5mm. The newer diffractive multifocal IOLs were observed to be more tolerant to low and intermediate levels of angle kappa and alpha.

Congruent Weber-B ankle fractures do not alter tibiotalar contact mechanics.

Current treatment strategy for managing Weber B ankle fractures is mainly governed by mortise congruency, malleolar alignment, deltoid ligament competence and fracture stability. While nonoperative treatment has yielded good functional outcomes in satisfactorily aligned stable injuries, a biomechanical rationale is not firmly established. Furthermore, current radiographic analysis is obscured by observer inaccuracy and beam rotation. This study aimed to utilize weightbearing CT and computational biomechanics to analyse 3D mortise displacement and contact mechanics in Weber-B ankle fractures and compare them with the uninjured contralateral side. 32 patients were included who sustained a Weber-B ankle fracture and underwent bilateral weightbearing CT imaging at injury. Segmentation into 3D models of bone was performed semi-automatically, and individualized cartilage layers were modeled based on a previously validated methodology. The 3D mortise congruency was evaluated by use of following parameters: alpha angle, fibular length, talocrural angle, medial gutter- and tibiofibular clear space- distance mapping. Contact mechanics were evaluated by the mean and maximum contact stress of the tibiotalar articulation. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences for all anatomical parameters. There was also no significant difference between the mean contact stress of the injured (2.10 ± 0.42 MPa) and uninjured side (2.10 ± 0.41 MPa), nor the maximum contact stress of the injured (7.67 ± 1.55 MPa) and uninjured (7.47 ± 1.67), respectively. Contact mechanics were unaffected in congruent Weber-B fractures. These findings support consideration of nonoperative management in such cases, given their presumably low risk for posttraumatic arthritic development in the long term. Level of Evidence: Level III; retrospective case-control study.

Correlation of predelivery Rotational Thromboelastometry readings with the risk of postpartum hemorrhage during delivery: The ROTEM Study

Background Inconsistency in defining postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and the inability of current tools and approaches to accurately predict PPH have led to the exploration of innovative methods. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) point-of-care technology provides real-time assessment of the clotting process facilitating time-efficient hemostatic interventions. Our study investigates the utility of ROTEM parameters for predicting individual risk of PPH. Methods This multi-site, prospective observational cohort study recruited 92 women who underwent scheduled cesarean delivery and normal spontaneous vaginal delivery at university-affiliated hospitals from 2018 to 2023. We included women between 18 and 50 years old at ≥34 weeks of gestation. Subjects were approached in the hospital pre-admission testing unit during their routine pre-operative blood draws, typically at least 72 h in advance of their planned cesarean delivery. Participants were also enrolled at the hospital once they arrived for admission a few hours before their procedure. ROTEM parameters EXTEM clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), alpha angle, A10, A20, maximum clot formation (MCF), maximum lysis, were measured preoperative. Results We found significant effects of age, blood loss type, delivery mode, gestational age, and maximum lysis on blood loss. The reduced model predicted that every one-percent increase in maximum lysis was associated with a 44-milliliter increase in blood loss and every one-year increase in age was associated with a 19-milliliter increase in blood loss. On average, cesarean deliveries resulted in 522 more milliliters of blood loss than normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. Conclusion The ROTEM EXTEM maximum lysis parameter has a significant effect on blood loss. Larger prospective clinical trials in conjunction with a prompt definition of the ranges of reference values will strengthen these advances to provide a rapid assessment and guide early interventions to prevent severe obstetric bleeding.

Combined Single-Shot Intra-articular Injection of Ropivacaine and Contrast Media for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Surgical Decision Making for Hip Arthroscopy in Young Patients

Introduction: Hip impingement syndrome with labral tear is debilitating for young patients. When magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) is equivocal for surgical decision making, an additional intra-articular diagnostic injection (IA) can further confirm the diagnosis. We assessed the effectiveness on surgical decision making by combining hip MRA + IA in one single procedure. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with hip impingement syndrome who underwent a combined MRA + IA procedure. A 10-mL cocktail containing 0.2% ropivacaine and Omnipaque 300 contrast media was injected into the hip joint, followed by magnetic resonance scanning, in one single outpatient procedure. Patient demographics and MRA findings were documented. Preinjection pain and immediate postinjection pain were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Surgical finding under hip arthroscopy was documented in those who had positive symptomatic relief after injection. Results: 26 patients (7 adolescent boys, 19 adolescent girls, median age 17 years) were analyzed. The VAS score improved from before injection to after injection (5.0 ± 2.6 vs. 2.2 ± 2.1, mean ± SD, P &lt; 0.0001). 1 patient reported no postinjection improvement and had no labral tear identified under hip arthroscopy; all the other 25 patients reported postinjection improvement and had labral tears repaired under hip arthroscopy; 4 among these 25 had negative MRA findings. The average Cam lesion alpha angle was 63.4 ± 7.1°. Conclusions: Combined hip MRA + IA is effective for surgical decision making. One single injection procedure is efficient for both patients and surgeons by eliminating an additional visit and saving costs and lead time for surgical decision making. Avoiding a second needle insertion is also preferable among pediatric and adolescent patients.

Early Season Crop Acreage Estimation for Pigeon Pea using SAR Data: A Case Study of Kalaburagi District, Karnataka

Crop acreage estimates using space-based observations during mid-season and pre-harvest periods are operationally provided for major Kharif and Rabi crops in India. These are critical inputs for planning and decision-making concerning food security, storage, pricing, and procurement. This work explores the potential of Satellite C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data in VV and VH polarization, acquired during monsoon season, for early crop acreage assessment of Pigeon Pea. The present study evaluates two classification approaches based on multi-temporal SAR data to generate a spatial distribution map of the pigeon pea crop in the Kalaburagi region of Karnataka. The temporal profiles of sigma nought (backscatter coefficient) and Entropy vs. Alpha Angle were studied with reference to crop phenology. Random forest algorithm has been used to classify multi-temporal SAR Ground Range Detected (GRD) data from June to November 2019. Temporal SAR data from June to early November with VV+VH polarization was optimal for tur area assessment with 85% accuracy. This study also examines phase and intensity information from 3-date SAR Single Look Complex (SLC) data with an unsupervised Wishart Classification approach for improved crop acreage estimation. The results emphasize the effectiveness of dual-polarimetric SAR data for timely crop inventory of Pigeon Pea during the Kharif season.

In situ pinning or modified Dunn procedure? Which one is superior in slipped capital femoral epiphysis surgery? A case-control study including only stable/moderate cases.

The study aimed to compare the clinical and radiologic results of in situ pinning and modified Dunn procedure methods in stable-moderate slipped capital femoral epiphyses surgery. Slipped capital femoral epiphyses cases between January 2000 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Stable and moderate cases treated with in situ pinning or modified Dunn procedure and those with a follow-up period longer than 1 year were included. Two groups were formed: the in situ pinning group and the modified Dunn procedure group. Radiologically, postoperative alpha angle, Southwick angle, avascular necrosis, and osteoarthritis rates were compared. Clinically, Harris Hip Score and Merle d'Aubigné score were compared. Total complications were evaluated. The in situ pinning group consisted of 28 patients and the modified Dunn procedure group consisted of 17 patients. The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, affected side, body mass index, Fahey/O'Brien Classification, preoperative slip angles, and follow-up time. Operation time was shorter in the in situ pinning group (p < 0.001). Postoperative Southwick and alpha angle were lower in the modified Dunn procedure group (p < 0.001). In clinical outcomes, Merle d'Aubigné and Harris Hip Score were higher in the in situ pinning group (p = 0.013, p = 0.005, respectively). The rate of avascular necrosis was higher in the modified Dunn procedure group (p = 0.048). There was no difference between the groups in terms of total complications and osteoarthritis. In situ pinning has an advantage over the modified Dunn procedure in the treatment of stable-moderate slipped capital femoral epiphyses due to shorter operative time, better clinical outcomes, and fewer avascular necrosis rates. Although Southwick and alpha angle measurements were found to be higher after in situ pinning compared to the modified Dunn procedure, this does not constitute a significant disadvantage in terms of osteoarthritis development in the mid-term. Level III, case-control study.

A novel radiographic finding for estimation of the cortical-cancellous boundary: A magnetic resonance imaging case series of patients with femoroacetabular impingement

PurposeTo determine if comparing alpha angle measurements of the outer cortical margin (preoperative alpha angle) and the inner cortical margin (theoretical postoperative alpha angle) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can estimate the amount of sclerotic bone that needs to be resected to restore the alpha angle to normative values (<55⁰) in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on patients with FAI undergoing primary hip arthroscopy and CAM osteoplasty from June 2013 to February 2017. Inclusion criteria were radiologist-measured alpha angles >70° on 3T oblique axial MRI, unilateral primary hip arthroscopy, and age ≥18. Exclusions included previous hip surgery, hip trauma, avascular necrosis, advanced osteoarthritis, dysplasia, poor quality images, or missing MRI images. Alpha angles were measured preoperatively using the outer cortical margin and postoperatively using the inner cortical margin of femur. Surgeries were performed by the senior surgeon. Paired t-tests compared preoperative and postoperative alpha angles, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. ResultsOne hundred patients (100 hips) were included with an average age of 40.8 years (range, 18.7–64.9), with 75 % being male (n = 75). The average BMI was 24.7 ± 3.9 (range, 17.1–38.8). The average maximum alpha angle at the outer cortical margin was 77.0 ± 4.2° (range, 70.0–90.8), with an ICC for inter-rater reliability of 0.861, indicating excellent agreement. The average inner cortical alpha angle was 46.4 ± 3.4° (range, 36.5–55.4), significantly less than 55° (p<0.001). The mean difference between the outer and inner cortical alpha angles was −30.6 ± 5.1° (p< 0.001). ConclusionsThe difference between outer and inner cortical alpha angles on MRI can accurately estimate the amount of sclerotic bone resection needed to restore the alpha angle to normative values in patients with FAI. This information may be directly applied clinically marker to assess adequacy of CAM resection.

Assessing Femoral Head Medialization in Developmental Hip Dysplasia Type 1 and Type 2 Hip Separation.

The prevalence of developmental hip dysplasia is estimated to be 0.1-2 per 1000 infants. Hip imaging by ultrasonography is considered to be the gold standard method for screening and detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), as per the Graf categorization. The classification of hip differentiation into type 1 and type 2 is determined by the alpha angle, as assessed by the Graf classification. Type 1 hips are defined as those with an alpha angle exceeding 60 degrees, whilst type 2 hips are defined as those with measurements falling within the range of 50 to 59 degrees. The computerized patient card in our institution had a compilation of 208 hip photographs taken from 110 patients, with 98 of them being bilateral. The acquisition of these photos occurred from January 2020 to December 2020. A retrospective review was conducted on the ultrasound (US) scans, with a specific emphasis on the outcomes related to type 1 and type 2 hips. There were 108 high-resolution US photos in the type 1 hip group and 100 high-resolution US images in the type 2 hip group. In terms of unilateral or bilateral cases, gender, or age, no statistically significant differences were seen between the two groups (p > 0.05). The FMD model exhibited a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 70% in effectively predicting the presence of type 1 mature hips when the values surpassed 2.9 mm. The AUC (area under the curve) value achieved was 0.628. The process of diagnostic categorization may occasionally encounter challenges in accurately differentiating between type 1 and type 2 hip separation subsequent to a hip ultrasound examination. The findings of our analysis indicate that the assessment of the FMD is a highly successful method, demonstrating both high specificity and sensitivity in differentiating between various scenarios.

Identifying Risk Factors for Disease Progression in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Using a Contralateral Hip Model

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can cause pain and premature osteoarthritis. The risk factors and timing for disease progression in adolescents and young adults have not been fully defined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for contralateral hip pain and surgery after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) on a dysplastic hip. Methods: Patients undergoing unilateral PAO for DDH were followed for at least 2 years and categorized into contralateral pain and no-pain groups and contralateral surgery and no-surgery groups. Pain was defined with the modified Harris hip score. Univariate analysis tested group differences in demographics, radiographic measures, and range of motion. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess pain development and surgery in the contralateral hip over time. Multivariable regression identified risk factors for contralateral pain and surgery. Contralateral pain and surgery predictors were secondarily assessed after categorization of the contralateral hips as dysplastic, borderline, and non-dysplastic and in subgroups based on the lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) and acetabular inclination (AI) in 5° increments. Results: One hundred and eighty-four patients were followed for a mean of 4.6 ± 1.6 years (range, 2.0 to 8.8 years), during which 51% (93) reported contralateral hip pain and 33% (60) underwent contralateral surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis predicted 5-year survivorship of 49% with contralateral pain development as the end point and 66% with contralateral surgery as the end point. Painful hips exhibited more severe dysplasia compared with no-pain hips (LCEA = 16.5° versus 20.3°, p &lt; 0.001; AI = 13.2° versus 10.0°, p &lt; 0.001). AI was the sole predictor of pain, with every 1° increase in the AI raising the risk by 11%. Surgically treated hips also had more severe dysplasia (LCEA = 14.9° versus 20.0°, p &lt; 0.001; AI = 14.7° versus 10.2°, p &lt; 0.001) and were in younger patients (21.6 versus 24.1 years, p = 0.022). AI and a maximum alpha angle of ≥55° were predictors of contralateral surgery. Conclusions: At 5 years after hip PAO, approximately 50% of contralateral hips will have pain and approximately 35% can be expected to need surgery. More severe dysplasia, based on the LCEA and AI, increases the risk of contralateral hip pain and surgery, with AI being a predictor of both outcomes. Knowing these risks can inform patient counseling and treatment planning. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

DXA images vs. pelvic radiographs: Reliability of hip morphology measurements

ObjectiveDual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images are increasingly used to study hip morphology. Whether hip morphology measurements are consistent between DXA images and radiographs is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the agreement and reliability of the measurements performed on DXA images and radiographs. DesignWe included participants from the Rotterdam study, a population-based cohort study, who received a hip DXA image and pelvic radiograph on the same day. The acetabular depth-width ratio (ADR), modified acetabular index (mAI), alpha angle (AA), Wiberg and lateral center edge angle (WCEA, LCEA), extrusion index (EI) and triangular index ratio (TIR) were automatically determined on both imaging modalities. The intraobserver and intermethod agreement were studied using Bland-Altman methods, and the reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Secondly, the diagnostic agreement regarding dysplasia, cam, and pincer morphology was assessed using percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa. Results750 hips from 411 individuals, median age 67.3 years (range 52.2 – 90.6), 45.5% male, were included. The following intermethod ICCs (95% CI) were obtained: ADR 0.85 (0.74-0.91), mAI 0.75 (0.52-0.85), AA 0.72 (0.68-0.75), WCEA 0.81 (0.74-0.85), LCEA 0.93 (0.91-0.94), EI 0.88 (0.84-0.91), and TIR 0.81 (0.79-0.84). We found comparable intraobserver ICCs for each morphological measurement. ConclusionDXA images and pelvic radiographs could both reliably be used to study hip morphology. Due to the lower radiation burden, DXA images could be an excellent alternative to pelvic radiographs for research purposes.

Radiographic acceptable zone of endobutton placement in ACL reconstruction: A prospective study.

During the transportal technique of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, tunnel outlet location can be varied depending on certain anatomical and technical characteristics. Therefore, we aimed to find out the acceptable zone of endobutton location by introducing several radiographic values. Postoperative lateral radiographs of 72 patients were assessed to measure the distances from the centre of the button to the posterior femoral cortex (D1) and to the most distal point of the lateral condyle (D2). Furthermore, based on the anteroposterior (AP) radiographs, the distances from the centre of the button to the lateral femoral cortex (D3) and from the centre of the button to the line connecting the most distal points of the medial and lateral femoral condyles (D4) were assessed. To measure the sensitivity and specificity of each radiographic value (D1, D2, D3 and D4), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated. The alpha angle and femoral tunnel length values were considered as gold standards. Analyses showed that the mean values for D1, D2, D3 and D4 were 13.20 ± 0.54, 39.44 ± 0.31, 1.65 ± 0.15 and 42.66 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. The mean angle was found to be 38.6 ± 0.3°, and the mean femoral tunnel length was 38.6 ± 0.2 mm. Age was significantly related to D2 and the diameter of the femur in AP X-ray, while body mass index had a significant relation with D3 (p < 0.05). In this study, a new method was proposed to evaluate the accuracy of anatomical tunnel placement in ACL reconstruction surgery postoperatively. The statistical analysis of the measured variables showed that the mean ratios were 21.79 ± 0.87 for D1, 65.65 ± 0.63 for D2 and 51.90 ± 0.73 for D4. The results indicated that if the tunnel exit location and endobutton placement in the postoperative radiological images fall within the suggested areas, it can be meaningfully concluded that the tunnel is correctly positioned intraarticularly and the ligament reconstruction is anatomical. Level III.

Relationship Between Hip and Groin Pain and Hip Range of Motion in Amateur Soccer and Australian Rules Football Players

Background: The relationship between hip/groin pain and hip range of motion (ROM) is unclear. Purpose: To explore the relationship between hip/groin pain and hip joint ROM and examine the influence of sex and cam morphology on this relationship. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 184 amateur soccer and Australian Rules football players (276 hips; 20% women; median age, 26 years; interquartile range, 24-30 years) with hip/groin pain &gt;6 months and a positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test, and 50 matched asymptomatic control players (98 hips; 28% women, median age, 26 years; interquartile range, 23-31 years). Hip ROM measures were flexion, internal and external rotation at 90° of hip flexion, total rotation (internal and external), and bent-knee fall out (BKFO). Cam morphology was determined from anteroposterior pelvis or 45° Dunn radiographs, defined by an alpha angle ≥60°. Linear regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between group (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and each ROM measure. Interaction terms (group × cam morphology or group × sex) were included to examine if relationships between group and hip ROM were influenced by cam morphology or sex. Where appropriate, models were adjusted for sex, age, and cam morphology. Results: An interaction between the relationship between group × cam and internal rotation ROM was found. Symptomatic players with cam morphology had lower internal rotation ROM than controls with cam morphology (adjusted mean difference [AMD] = −4.5°; 95% CI, −7.4° to −1.6°). Hip/groin pain was not associated with internal rotation ROM if cam morphology was absent. A significant interaction was also found for group × sex and BKFO and total rotation ROM. Symptomatic women had lower total rotation ROM than control women (AMD = −8.2°; 95% CI, −14.1° to −2.2°), but no difference was seen in men. BKFO range was lower in men with hip/groin pain compared with control men (AMD = 1.6 cm; 95% CI, 0.3-3.0 cm), but no difference was seen in women. Flexion and external rotation ROM did not differ between symptomatic and control hips. Conclusion: Cam morphology was an effect modifier of the relationship between hip/groin pain and internal rotation ROM. Sex-related differences were also observed in the relationship between hip/groin pain and hip ROM.

Association Between Hip Translation and Hip Rotation and Anatomy: A Pilot Quasi-static MRI Study.

There is little known about translation of the hip and the relationship with hip rotation and morphology in asymptomatic patients. (1) Femoral head would exhibit significant translations in asymptomatic hips, (2) femoral head translations would correlate to femoral rotations, and (3) range of femoral head translations would correlate to hip morphology. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 11 individuals (age, 23-47 years; 64% female) with asymptomatic hips underwent hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the following postures: neutral (supine), midflexion, maximum-flexion, internal rotation, internal rotation + midflexion, internal rotation + maximum-flexion, adduction, flexion-abduction-external rotation (FABER), extension, and lateral abduction. All rotations were passive. MRI-generated 3-dimensional hip models were used to quantify femoral rotations and translations. Femoral head diameter, acetabular diameter, lateral center-edge angle, alpha angle, femoral anteversion, acetabular version and inclination, and neck-shaft angle were measured from MRI. A t test was used if measured translations were statistically significant. Linear regression was used to assess the associations between translation and rotation. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationships between hip anatomy and range of femoral head translations. In all tested positions, the femoral head translated anteriorly by 2 ± 1 mm (maximum 5 mm, P < .001), posteriorly by 1 ± 1 mm (maximum 6 mm, P < .001), superiorly by 2 ± 2 mm (maximum 7 mm, P < .001), inferiorly by 2 ± 2 mm (maximum 6 mm, P < .001), laterally by 1 ± 1 mm (maximum 4 mm, P < .001), and medially by 2 ± 1 mm (maximum 5 mm, P < .001), relative to the rested supine position. Femoral flexion was associated with posterior translation of the femoral head (P = .038). Femoral abduction was associated with medial translation of the femoral head (P = .042). Higher femoral anteversion and smaller alpha angle were associated with a higher total magnitude of femoral head translation in the anterior-posterior direction (P < .04). Smaller femoral anteversion, higher acetabular inclination, smaller lateral center-edge angle, and lower neck-shaft angle were associated with a higher total magnitude of femoral head translation in the superior-inferior direction (P ≤ .03). Our study demonstrated that, during passive physiologic movement, asymptomatic hips on average translated up to 2 mm (with up to 7 mm maximum translation in some positions), which is potentially related to hip rotations and morphology. Further investigations are warranted to understand the normal and pathologic hip translations and their impact on hip function (ie, instability and impingement).

Females have Higher Return to Sport Rate than Males Among Collegiate Athletes Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Due to the Difference in the Type of Sports, Type of Impingement, Prevalence of Severe Cartilage Damage

To investigate the return to sport (RTS) rate and the sex-based difference of collegiate athletes following arthroscopic treatment for FAI. Patients who were collegiate athletes at the time of surgery and underwent hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI between January 2009 and June 2020 were included. Patients were excluded if they were in their final year of eligibility, graduated, retired, or had plans to retire from collegiate play prior to surgery. Publicly available data was collected regarding each patient's collegiate team and division, and RTS status after surgery. Comparisons were made based on the RTS status and gender. Of the 181 hips (144 athletes) who met the inclusion criteria, 114 were male (63%) and 67 female (37%) hips with a median age of 20.4 (Range: 18.0-24.5). Eighty-six percent (155 hips) returned to sport at the collegiate level following hip arthroscopy. Males were significantly less likely to return to sport compared to females (82% vs 93%, OR = 2.8, 95% CI [1.003, 7.819], p=0.042). Males participated in more contact sports (26% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001) and had more mixed-type FAI (95.6% vs 80.6%, P=0.003) compared to females. In addition, males had more grade 3/4 chondral defects (28% vs 13%, p=0.023) and underwent microfracture more frequently (11% vs 3%, p=0.047). Further, males had significantly larger postoperative alpha angles (46.2 vs 43.6, p< .001). Collegiate athletes were found to have a high return to sport rate of 86% following arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI, however, males were less likely to return to sport compared to females. Sex-based differences were identified in the type of sports, type of FAI, prevalence of severe cartilage damage, and postoperative alpha angle. Retrospective case series, Level IV.

The Alpha Angle.

➢ The alpha angle was originally defined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, using a plane, parallel to the axis of the femoral neck. However, much of the literature on the alpha angle has used radiographs or other imaging modalities to quantify the alpha angle.➢ The measurement of the alpha angle can be unreliable, particularly on radiographs and ultrasound.➢ If radiographs are used to measure the alpha angle, the circle of best-fit method should be used on multiple different views to capture various locations of the cam lesion, and "eyeballing" or estimating the alpha angle should be avoided.➢ The cam lesion is a dynamic and 3-dimensional (3D) problem and is unlikely to be adequately defined or captured by a single angle.➢ Modern technology, including readily available 3D imaging modalities, as well as intraoperative and dynamic imaging options, provides novel, and potentially more clinically relevant, ways to quantify the alpha angle.

Thromboelastography as an early prediction method for hypofibrinogenemia in emergency department patients with primary postpartum hemorrhage

BackgroundTimely and accurate assessment of coagulopathy is crucial for the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Thromboelastography (TEG) provides a comprehensive assessment of coagulation status and is useful for guiding the treatment of hemorrhagic events in various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the role of TEG in predicting hypofibrinogenemia in emergency department (ED) patients with primary PPH.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study in the ED of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between November 2015 and August 2023. TEG was performed upon admission. The cutoff value for hypofibrinogenemia was 200 mg/dL. The primary outcome was the presence of hypofibrinogenemia.ResultsAmong the 174 patients, 73 (42.0%) had hypofibrinogenemia. The need for massive transfusion was higher in the hypofibrinogenemia group (37.0% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). Among the TEG parameters, all values were significantly different between the groups, except for lysis after 30 min, suggesting a tendency toward hypocoagulability. Multivariable analysis revealed that the alpha angle (odds ratio (OR) 0.924, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.876–0.978) and maximum amplitude (MA) (OR 0.867, 95% CI 0.801–0.938) were independently associated with hypofibrinogenemia. The optimal cutoff values for the alpha angle and maximum amplitude (MA) for hypofibrinogenemia were 63.8 degrees and 56.1 mm, respectively.ConclusionPoint-of-care TEG could be a valuable tool for the early identification of hypofibrinogenemia in ED patients with primary PPH.

Significant systematic bias of alpha angles measured on MRI compared to various radiographic views in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater reproducibility and inter-method comparability of hip alpha angle measurements on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) and plain radiographs in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). A cross-sectional study of patients who were diagnosed with symptomatic FAIS underwent preoperative MRI/MRA with axial oblique and/or radial plane imagingand had preoperative radiographs with anterior-posterior (AP), 45° Dunnand 90° Dunn views. Alpha angle measurements were performed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Inter-rater reproducibility and inter-method comparability between MRI/MRA images and radiographic views were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Ninety-seven patients were included of whom 93 (95.8%) received axial oblique plane images and 54 (55.6%) had radial plane MRI/MRA images. Inter-rater reproducibility was excellent (ICC > 0.9) for all planes on MRI/MRA and radiographs. MRI/MRA axial oblique images had poor (ICC 0.39, 95% CI [0.09, 0.59]), moderate (ICC 0.57, 95% CI [0.18, 0.75])and moderate (ICC 0.64, 95% CI [0.20, 0.81]) comparability with AP, 45° Dunnand 90° Dunn, respectively. MRI/MRA radial plane images had equivocal (0 included in all CIs) comparability with AP (ICC 0.66), 45° Dunn (ICC 0.35)and 90° Dunn (ICC 0.14) radiographs. On average, alpha angle measurements were significantly higher with radial images and lower with axial oblique images, when compared to all radiographic views (p < 0.05), except axial oblique versus 45° Dunn views, where angles measured on axial oblique were significantly larger. Alpha angle measurements taken on axial oblique MRI/MRA images show moderate comparability to radiographic 45° Dunnand 90° Dunn views despite negative bias to measurements taken on radiographic AP and 45° Dunn view. Larger alpha angles were appreciated on MRI/MRA radial and axial oblique views compared to radiographic views supporting the inclusion of MRI/MRA alpha angle measurements to properly identify deformity. Level II.