Differences In Neck-shaft Angle Research Articles

Treatment of Delbet II/III Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures With Proximal Femoral Locking Plate Versus Cannulated Screws.

Complications following operative treatment of pediatric femoral neck fractures include nonunion, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis (AVN). Proximal femoral locking plates (PFLPs) provide a fixed-angle construct that may reduce the rates of coxa vara, but their use in pediatric femoral neck fractures has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of union, coxa vara, and AVN in traumatic pediatric femoral neck fractures treated with PFLP or cannulated screws (CS). We retrospectively reviewed all traumatic, nonpathologic Delbet II/III femoral neck fractures in patients below 18 years of age treated with PFLP or CS. All cases had ≥6 months of radiographic follow-up to evaluate for osseous union and AVN. Changes in proximal femoral alignment were determined by measuring injured and contralateral femoral neck-shaft angle and articulotrochanteric distance (ATD) between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Forty-two patients were identified with mean age at surgery of 10.7±2.9 years (range 3.3 to 16.3 years) and mean follow-up of 36±27 months. Sixteen patients (38%) underwent PFLP fixation, whereas 26 patients (62%) underwent CS fixation. When compared with the CS cohort, the PFLP cohort had a greater proportion of males (87.5% vs. 50%, P =0.02) and Delbet III fractures (68.8% vs. 15.4%, P <0.001). There was no difference between PFLP and CS cohorts with respect to rates of union (81% vs. 88%, respectively, P =0.66), AVN (25% vs. 35%, respectively, P =0.73), or secondary surgery (62% vs 62%, P =0.95). There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle between injured and contralateral hips in those patients treated with PFLP ( P =0.93) or CS ( P =0.16). However, the ATD was significantly decreased in hips treated with CS compared with the contralateral hip (18.4±4.6 vs. 23.3±4.2mm, P =0.001), with no significant difference in the PFLP group ( P =0.57). This study suggests that the use of a PFLP in Delbet II/III femoral neck fractures does not appear to significantly increase nonunion rates or AVN and maintains anatomic ATD when compared with screw fixation. Level III-therapeutic study.

Effectiveness of locking compression plate for proximal humeral fracture in elderly patients without structural bone grafting: age group of 65-79 compared to 80 and above.

This study shows the effectiveness of locking compression plate for proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients over 80years old without structural bone grafting compared age group of 65-79 (Group 1) with 80 and above (Group 2). This study included sixty-one patients who underwent using locking compression plate for proximal humeral fractures between April 2016 and November 2021. The patients were divided into two groups. The neck shaft angle (NSA) was checked at immediately after surgery, at 1month and the final follow-up visit. The NSA changes in the two groups were compared using the independent t-test. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to find out which factors affect NSA changes. In group 1, the mean difference between NSA immediately after surgery and 1month after surgery was 2.74°, and group 2 was 2.89°. In group 1, the mean difference in NSA for 1month after surgery and at the last follow-up was 1.43°, and group 2 was 1.75°. No significant difference was observed in the NSA changes between two groups (p = 0.59, 0.173). Bone marrow density and four-part fracture type were significant difference in NSA changes (p = 0.003, 0.035). The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scale (DASH scale), age, medical support, diabetes and three-part fracture type were no significant in NSA changes. Using locking compression plate without structural bone grafting is a good option in elderly patients over 80years old and can help achieve radiological results similar to patients which age group of 67-79.

Femoral Neck Shaft Angle and Management of Proximal Femur Fractures: Is the Contralateral Femur a Reliable Template?

To (1) assess interrater reliability of a novel technique for measurement of neck shaft angle (NSA); (2) use pelvic anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of unaffected hips to assess variability of NSA; and (3) evaluate the side-to-side variability of NSA to determine reliability of using the contralateral hip as a template. Retrospective cohort study. Academic Level 1 regional trauma center. Four hundred six femora (203 patients) with standing AP pelvis radiographs were selected. Exclusions included lack of acceptable imaging, congenital abnormalities, or prior hip surgery. An AP pelvis radiograph in the standing position. Bilateral NSA measurements obtained in a blinded fashion between 2 reviewers. Pearson coefficients and coefficient of determination assessed correlations and variability between left and right NSA. Concordance correlation coefficients assessed the interrater reliability between measurements performed by the 2 reviewers. Two hundred three patients (406 femora) were assessed. Male patients had a lower overall NSA mean of 131.56 degrees ± 4.74 than females with 133.61 degrees ± 5.17. There was no significant difference in NSA side-to-side in females (P = 0.18), 0.3 degrees [95% confidence interval (-0.15 to 0.75)], or males (P = 0.68), 0.19 degrees [95% confidence interval (-0.74 to 1.12)]. There was a strong linear relationship between left and right femora (r2 = 0.70). Forty-one percent of patients fell within the 131-135 degrees range bilaterally. Eighty-eight percent of patients had <5 degrees difference in NSA bilaterally and 0% had >10 degrees difference. There is no significant variability between bilateral femora in males and females. Use of this measurement method and contralateral NSA for proximal femur fracture planning is supported.

Assessment of the efficacy of the far cortical locking technique in proximal humeral fractures: a comparison with the conventional bi-cortical locking technique

BackgroundLocking plate fixation is one of the treatment strategies for the management of proximal humeral fractures. However, stiffness after locking plate fixation is a clinical concern. The mechanical stiffness of the standard locking plate system may suppress the interfragmentary motion necessary to promote secondary bone healing by callus formation. The far cortical locking (FCL) technique was developed to address this limitation in 2005. FCL increases construct flexibility and promotes callus formation. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the FCL technique when implemented in proximal humeral fracture management. Furthermore, we compared the surgical outcomes of FCL with those of the conventional bicortical locking (BCL) screw fixation technique.MethodsForty-five consecutive patients who had undergone locking fixation for proximal humeral fractures were included in this study. A proximal humeral locking plate (PHILOS) system with BCL screw fixation was used in the first 27 cases, and the periarticular proximal humeral locking plate with FCL screw fixation was used in the final 18 consecutive cases. Functional capacity was assessed using the constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and range of motion. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated using the Paavolainen method of measuring the neck-shaft angle (NSA).ResultsNo significant differences in clinical outcomes (ASES score, constant score, and range of motion) were found between the two groups. The union rate at 12 weeks was significantly higher in the FCL group (94.4%) than in the BCL group (66.7%, p = 0.006). No significant differences in NSA were found between the two treatment strategies. The complication rate was not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionsWhen implemented in proximal humeral fractures, the FCL technique showed satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes as compared with the conventional BCL technique. The bone union rate at 12 weeks after surgery was significantly higher in the FCL group than in the BCL group. However, no significant difference in the final bone union rate was found between the two groups.

Results of the Total Hip Arthroplasty Using 3D Printing Technology

Objectives: To study the value of 3D printing of custom THA femoral prostheses with conventional femoral prostheses in total hip arthroplasty for severe hip deformity. Methods: Total hip arthroplasty was used in the treatment of 107 severe hip joint deformity cases from June 2018 to June 2019. Fifty-six patients received conventional hip replacement stems and 51 patients received a custom 3D printed hip replacement stem designed to address their proximal deformity and leg length discrepancy. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative weight-bearing time, Harris score before and after the operation, complications after surgery and the main angle measurement of compared to their contralateral hip were evaluated to determine the short-term efficacy of 3D printed total hip replacement femoral prosthesis compared to the common total hip replacement femoral prosthesis. Results: A total of 107 patients were followed up for an average of 12 months. The use of 3D printing technology in the preoperative design and custom prosthesis fabrication was associated with shortened operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, quicker time to postoperative full weight-bearing, and improved the Harris score in 1 year after the operation compared to conventional total hip replacement stem (p&lt;.05). Our results revealed that there was a significant reduction in the femoral anteversion with a value of 13.06 ± 1.93 degrees (mean ± SD) in the custom prosthesis group compared to the conventional hip replacement group. However, there was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle, acetabular angle, and Sharp angle between both groups (p&gt;.05). Conclusion: 3D printing technology created a virtual and realistic simulation, and personalized operation plan for patients with severe hip deformity, which was helpful for surgical treatment. The anatomical characteristics of patients with complex deformities were better addressed using the 3D printed femoral component and resulting in better patient outcomes and provided a new option for surgeons to manage these difficult cases.

Comparison of radiological and functional outcome of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures treated using PFN and PFNA-2 in patients with osteoporosis.

Presently, unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures are treated commonly with intramedullary nailing devices. Various designs of intramedullary nail are introduced. The conventional Proximal Femoral Nail has given diverse outcome. Complications have also been noted with this implant. Newer designs like Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-2 have been introduced for Asian population. The aim of our study was to compare the radiological and functional outcome of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture treated with conventional Proximal Femoral Nail and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-2 in osteoporotic patients. Patients presenting with unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture (AO classification) and Singh's index ≤ 3 were included. Patients were assigned to the groups based on the implant used for treatment (PFN and PFNA2 group). Post-operative radiographs were used to assess the quality of reduction, by calculating neck shaft angle. The quality of fixation was assessed, by calculating tip apex distance and Cleveland index. The duration of surgery, blood loss, number of fluoroscopic images taken and length of hospital stay were noted. Patients were followed up for 6months, and complications were noted. The functional outcome was compared using modified Harris hip score. The data analysis was done using Student's unpaired t test/Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Seventy-eight patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures and Singh's index < 3 were included. Thirty-seven were treated with PFNA2 and 41 with PFN. The average age in PFNA2 group was 69.51, and PFN group was 70.804. Nine patients in PFNA2 group and 10 patients in PFN group had tip apex distance more than 25mm. Twelve patients in PFNA2 group and 14 Patients in PFN group had sub-optimal implant position as per Cleveland index. The difference in neck shaft angle between uninjured and operated side was more than 10° in four patients of PFNA2 group and seven patients of PFN group. The average Harris hip score was 74.55 for PFNA2 group and 69.88 for PFN group. Four complications were seen in PFNA2 group and 5 in PFN group. The functional outcome (p = 0.102) achieved with both the implants was similar. Good functional outcome can be achieved, when the radiological parameters are restored, i.e. TAD < 25mm, Cleveland index in centre-centre position and neck shaft angle difference < 5°. The overall complications, in the set-up of osteoporosis, seen with both the implants were similar (p = 0.44). PFNA2 group showed better results in terms of perioperative morbidity.

Femoral neck-shaft angle and climate-induced body proportions.

Declination in femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) is commonly linked to an increased level of physical activity during life. More recently, however, research suggests that lower NSA might also be explained, in part, as the mechanical consequence of differences in ecogeographic body proportions. This study tests the proposed link between NSA and climatic-induced body proportions, using relative body mass (RBM), throughout the course of development. NSA and RBM were collected for 445 immature remains from five geographic locations. NSA and RBM were standardized for age-effects. ANOVA was used to examine when population differences emerged in both NSA and RBM. Regression analyses were used to examine the pattern of relationship between NSA and RBM. Populations differ significantly in NSA and RBM before skeletal maturity, and these differences occur early in life. While both NSA and RBM change over the course of development, no significant relationship was found between NSA and RBM for any sample, or any age category (p = .244). Individuals who have relatively greater relative body mass do not necessarily have lower NSA. Population differences in NSA were found to be variable, while differences in RBM remained consistent across the developmental span. Taken together, these results suggest that regardless of body proportions, the degree of declination of NSA is presumed to be similar among individuals with similar gait and ambulatory behaviors. Conversely, populations differ in RBM from birth, and these differences are consistent throughout development. These two measures likely are responsive to diffing stimuli, and any potential relationship is likely complex and multifactorial.

Healing of Atypical Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures After Cephalomedullary Nailing: Which Factors Predict Union?

The purpose of this study was to determine the healing rate and time to union of atypical subtrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing. Retrospective review, descriptive, and analytic study. Six level 1 trauma centers. The study included 42 patients with 48 displaced, atypical, bisphosphonate-associated subtrochanteric femur fractures who underwent surgical intervention. Cephalomedullary femur nailing. The main outcome measures were radiologic healing and time to union. The primary healing rate after cephalomedullary nailing of bisphosphonate-associated subtrochanteric femur fractures was 68.7% (33/48 patients). Mean time to union was 10.7 months. Malalignment was determined using the differences in neck-shaft angle (the difference between the normal side and the surgically repaired side) and sagittal angulation. These all proved to be significantly correlated with failure and delayed healing time. The cutoff points for neck-shaft angle, difference in neck-shaft angle, and sagittal angulation were 125.6, 4.4, and 5.5 degrees, respectively (receiver operating characteristic curve analysis). The healing rate of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing is lower than that previously reported for atypical femur fractures. The quality of fracture reduction proved to be the most important factor in bony union and time to union. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Study of three-dimensional morphology of the proximal femur in developmental adult dysplasia of the hip suggests that the on-shelf modular prosthesis may not be an ideal choice for patients with Crowe type IV hips.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional morphological features of the proximal femur of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). From January 2012 to December 2014, 38 patients (47 hips) of DDH were admitted and 30 normal hips were selected as controls. All hips from both groups were examined by CT scan. CT data were imported into Mimics 17.0. Three-dimensional models of the proximal femur were then reconstructed, and the following parameters were measured: neck-shaft angle, neck length, offset, height of the centre of femoral head, level of isthmus, height of the tip of greater trochanter, the medullary canal diameter of isthmus(Di), the medullary canal diameter 10mm above the apex of the lesser trochanter(DT + 10), the medullary canal diameter 20mm below the apex of the lesser trochanter(DT-20), and then DT + 10/Di, DT-20/Di and DT + 10/DT-20 were calculated. There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle between Crowe I, Crowe II-III DDH and the control group, while the neck-shaft angle was much smaller in Crowe IV DDH. The neck length of Crowe IV DDH was also much smaller than those of Crowe I and Crowe II-III DDH. Height of the tip greater trochanter in Crowe IV was greater than that in Crowe I, Crowe II-III DDH and the control group. The centre of femoral head in Crowe IV DDH was lower than those in Crowe I, Crowe II-III DDH and the control group. The level of isthmus in Crowe IV was much higher than those in Crowe I, Crowe II-III DDH and the control group. DT + 10, DT-20, DT + 10/Di and DT-20/Di were much smaller in Crowe IV DDH than those in Crowe I, Crowe II-III and the control group. Neck-shaft angle in the DDH groups was not larger than that in the control group. Comparing to Crowe I, Crowe II-III DDH and the control group, Crowe IV DDH had a dramatic change in the intramedullary and extramedullary parameters, especially the dramatic narrowing of medullary canal around the level of the lesser trochanter. The on-shelf modular prosthesis may not be an ideal choice for the Chinese patients with Crowe IV hips.

Is coxa valga a predictor for the severity of knee osteoarthritis? A cross-sectional study.

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the affect of the variations in hip anatomy and pelvic geometry on the severity of knee OA. Idiopathic knee OA patients fulfilling the clinical criteria of American College of Rheumatology for OA were enrolled in the study. Several measurements regarding the hip and pelvis were performed on pelvic radiographs. Each knee was graded according to the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) radiographic system (0-4) along with a categorization in accordance with the medial tibiofemoral joint space widths (JSW). The study group consisted of 111 subjects. The inner and outer pelvic diameters were getting wider as the JSW grade increased. Likewise, among the hip measurements, femoral head, neck and shaft diameters and hip axis lengths were linked with KL grade. There were significant differences in neck-shaft angle (NSA) between groups of JSW with a highest NSA in JSW grade 3. The optimal cut-off value for NSA in predicting the severity of knee OA was 134.4°. Furthermore, NSA beyond 134.4° was found to increase the risk of severe knee OA eightfold. Variations in pelvic geometry and hip anatomy are associated with the severity of knee OA. People with NSA of above 134.4° have eightfold increased risk of developing severe knee OA. Pelvic radiographies could be evaluated at younger ages-particularly in people with high genetic predispositions-to identify the individuals at high risk and in turn, to tailor the preventive measures to these subjects.

Assessment of the severity of femoral neck fractures with CT scan

Objective To develop a quantitative assessment of the severity of femoral neck fractures with CT scan.Methods The preoperative X-ray and CT data were reviewed of 229 patients with femoral neck fracture who had been treated in our department from December 2008 to April 2012.Posterior fracture fragment,posterior angulation,longitudinal maximum displacement,location of fracture line,and difference in neck-shaft angle were measured in the 3-D reconstruction images of CT scans.The severity of the fracture was categorized as slight,(score ≤5,grade Ⅰ),moderate (score 6 to 8,grade Ⅱ) and severe (score ≥9,grade Ⅲ) according to the measurements of the above 5 indexes.A comminuted fracture was categorized into grade Ⅲ.Results Posterior comminutions were found in 35 cases (15.3％),but not in the other 194 ones (84.7 ％).No posterior angulation was observed in 27 cases (11.8％).Posterior angulation ≤30° was found in 44 cases (19.2％),that from 30° to 60° in 115 cases (50.2％),and that ≥60° in 43 cases (18.8％).Twenty patients(8.7％) had no displacement.Fracture displacement ≤ 10 mm was observed in 96 cases (41.9％),that from 10 to 20 mm in 96 cases (41.9％),and that ≥20mmin 17 cases (7.4％).The facture line was located below the head in 131 cases (57.2％),at the head-neck in 88 cases (38.4％),and across the neck in 9 cases (3.9％).The difference in neck-shaft angle was 0° in 12 cases (5.2％),≤ 10° in 105 cases (43.4％),10° to 20° in 84 cases (35.3％) and ≥20° in 28 cases (17.6％).In the 229 cases,our severity scores were related to Garden classification in the following manners:all Garden Ⅰ cases belonged to grade Ⅰ; Garden Ⅱcases contained grade Ⅰ in 15 cases (45.5％) and grade Ⅱ in 18 cases (54.5％);Garden Ⅲ cases included grade Ⅰ in 6 cases (3.1％),grade Ⅱ in 123 cases (64.7％) and Grade Ⅲ in 61 cases (32.2％); all Garden Ⅳ cases were Grade Ⅲ.Conclusion In assessment of the severity of femoral neck fractures,CT scans can be more accurate,objective and reliable,and can be quantified as well. Key words: Femur; Fracture, bone; Tomography, spiral computed

Morphometric evaluation of proximal femur in patients with unilateral total hip prosthesis

It is important to know the morphometric characteristics of the proximal femur. This is necessary to reduce the risk of complications related to surgical procedures performed in the area due to vascular, metabolic, or traumatic causes. It is of importance for achieving the alignment of the prosthesis to be implanted as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of the proximal femur and to establish a database for making and performing total hip prosthesis. Anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs of 162 cases, with a mean age of 65.6 years, who had undergone unilateral total hip arthroplasty were used in this study. Femoral head diameter (FHD), femoral neck width (FNW), femoral neck length (FNL), femoral neck axis length (FNAL), intertrochanteric line length (ILL), and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured on radiographs obtained digitally using setrapacs media. FHD was found to be 48.1 ± 3.7 mm, FNW 35.4 ± 4.2 mm, FNL 30.8 ± 6.1 mm, FNAL 98.6 ± 9.4 mm, ILL 81.1 ± 7.9 mm, and NSA 130.4 ± 5.1° on average. The comparison of the mean values for females and males revealed a statistically significant difference between the FHD, FNW, FNL, FNAL, and ILL (P = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference in NSA between males and females (P = 0.356). A weak correlation was found between age and parameter values using correlation analysis (r < 0.24, P > 0.05). In morphometric assessment of the proximal femur, taking into consideration regional and sexual differences is of importance for prosthesis design and surgical success.

The Cam Impinging Femur Has Multiple Morphologic Abnormalities

This study was performed to establish whether the “cam” impinging femur has a single deformity of the head-neck junction or multiple abnormalities. Average dimensions (anteversion angle, α angle of Notzli, β angle of Beaulé, normalized anterior head offset) were compared between normal and impinging femora. The results demonstrated that impinging femora had wider necks, larger heads, and decreased head-neck ratios. There was no difference in neck-shaft angle or anteversion angle. Forty-six percent of impinging femora had significant posterior head displacement (>2mm), which averaged 1.93 mm for the cam impinging group, and 0.78 mm for the normal group. In conclusion, surgical treatment limited to localized recontouring of the head-neck profile may fail to address significant components of the underlying abnormality.

Femoral Neck Shaft Angle in Men with Fragility Fractures

Introduction. Femoral neck shaft angle (NSA) has been reported to be an independent predictor of hip fracture risk in men. We aimed to assess the role of NSA in UK men. Methods. The NSA was measured manually from the DXA scan printout in men with hip (62, 31 femoral neck and 31 trochanteric), symptomatic vertebral (91), and distal forearm (67) fractures and 389 age-matched control subjects. Age, height, weight, and BMD (g/cm2: lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur) measurements were performed. Results. There was no significant difference in mean NSA between men with femoral neck and trochanteric hip fractures, so all further analyses of hip fractures utilised the combined data. There was no difference in NSA between those with hip fractures and those without (either using the combined data or analysing trochanteric and femoral neck shaft fractures separately), nor between fracture subjects as a whole and controls. Mean NSA was smaller in those with vertebral fractures (129.2° versus 131°: P = 0.001), but larger in those with distal forearm fractures (129.8° versus 128.5°: P = 0.01). Conclusions. The conflicting results suggest that femoral NSA is not an important determinant of hip fracture risk in UK men.

Antegrade Intramedullary Nailing of Pediatric Femoral Fractures Using an Interlocking Pediatric Femoral Nail and a Lateral Trochanteric Entry Point

The treatment of femoral shaft fractures in older children and adolescents using rigid intramedullary (IM) nail fixation offers the advantages of decreased soft tissue stripping, low incidence of malalignment, leg length discrepancy, early ambulation, and decreased hospital stay. Recent reports have described the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in children after IM nailing through the piriformis fossa and the tip of the greater trochanter. Others have noted secondary proximal femoral valgus and femoral neck narrowing after antegrade IM nailing. Using the lateral aspect of the greater \trochanter as the starting point avoids the tenuous blood supply of the proximal femur and did not seem to produce avascular necrosis or proximal femoral deformity in early reports. A retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 78 children and adolescents with 80 femoral shaft fractures who underwent IM nail fixation through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter, with a mean follow-up of 99 weeks, was performed. Twenty-four fractures were observed until skeletal maturity. Final standing anteroposterior radiographs of both lower extremities were used to assess for evidence of osteonecrosis, limb length discrepancy, fracture alignment, and indices around the hips. All patients went on to union in good clinical alignment without loss of reduction. No nonunions, delayed unions, or malunions were observed. Two patients developed infections postoperatively (2.5%). No patient had evidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle, articulotrochanteric distance, or femoral diameter when compared with the nonsurgical, normal side in these patients. Intramedullary nail fixation through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter in children and adolescents is effective. It does not produce clinically important femoral neck valgus or narrowing. We did not observe osteonecrosis of the femoral head. : Level IV, case series.

The Impact of Proximal Femur Geometry on Fracture Type — A Comparison between Cervical and Trochanteric Fractures with Two Parameters

Only a few studies have tested the ability of proximal femur geometry parameters to discriminate between cervical hip fractures and those of the trochanter. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the geometrical differences between these two fracture types by measuring the neck shaft angle (NSA) and the femoral neck axis length (FNAL). We also compared the distributions of these parameters and the distributions of fracture type by gender. A retrospective analysis was made in a population-based material of 428 hip fractures collected during a two-year period from 1999 to 2000 (323 women and 105 men aged 65 years or older). NSA and FNAL were manually measured from pelvic radiographs. No significant differences in NSA or FNAL were found between cervical and trochanteric hip fractures in women or in men. Men had significantly higher NSA and FNAL than women. Age was not related to these geometrical parameters. The distributions by fracture type were similar in both genders. The different pathogenesis of cervical and trochanteric hip fractures cannot be explained by NSA or FNAL. A standardized measurement setup is needed when evaluating the role of hip geometry in fracture patients.