The False-Profile View May Be Used to Identify Cam Morphology.

PURPOSE

To identify the accuracy of measuring the alpha angle on the false-profile, anteroposterior (AP), and 90° Dunn lateral views of the hip as compared with computed tomography (CT) scan findings.

METHODS

Forty patients were needed to have power greater than 80%. Forty-five consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed with preoperative radial oblique CT reformatted scans and plain radiographs. Alpha angles were measured on plain radiographs (AP, 90° Dunn lateral, and false profile) and CT reformatted views. Abnormal alpha angles were considered greater than 50.5°. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently measured the images, and the results were compared between imaging modalities.

RESULTS

The false-profile view was 60% sensitive and 89.0% specific for diagnosing cam deformities of the hip. All radiographs combined were 86% sensitive and 75% specific for diagnosing cam deformities. The false-profile view most strongly correlated with the 2-o'clock (R = 0.746, P = .001) and 3-o'clock (R = 0.698, P < .0001) positions. An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.81 was found for measurement of the alpha angle on the false-profile view.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has proved that the false-profile view effectively characterizes cam deformity, especially anterior deformity at the 3-o'clock position. Measuring the alpha angle on the false-profile view appears to be reproducible. The false-profile view along with standing AP pelvis and 90° Dunn lateral views of the hip comprises a good screening radiographic series for patients presenting with symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, diagnostic study.