The frequency of imaging findings of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic individuals: a systematic review

In a recent study published in the journal Arthroscopy Journal, researchers sought to determine the frequency of radiological findings of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic individuals. They carried out a systematic review using guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Studies were included that contained findings from plain radiographs, CT scans and MRI scans suggestive of femoroacetabular impingement. Pathological lesions consistent with cam, pincer and combined femoroacetabular impingement were investigated.
A total of 26 studies were identified, comprising 2114 asymptomatic hips. The measurement studied was chiefly the alpha angle, on both plain radiographs and MRI scans. The mean lateral angle (mean lateral) and the anterior centre-edge angle (anterior-center edge angle) were also studied.
The authors concluded that the morphological features of femoroacetabular impingement, as well as lesions of the labrum, are common in asymptomatic patients. Clinical decision-making should therefore be based not only on the imaging findings but also on the patient's history together with the results of the physical examination.