The relationship between proximal femoral anatomy and osteoarthrosis of the hip.

Proximal femoral anatomy in the anteroposterior plane was assessed by analysis of roentgenograms and the relationship between the anatomy and the pattern of osteoarthrosis of the hip was explored. The neck-shaft angle, the height of the femoral head, and the offset of the femoral head were analyzed and the type of osteoarthrosis classified according to Cameron and McNab. There was a significantly greater neck-shaft angle and a greater head height in the upward and outward migratory group. Patients being treated with total hip arthroplasty who exhibit certain types of proximal femoral anatomy might be expected to have increased acetabular loading and thus greater acetabular and femoral head wear. These data may have significance in the design of femoral components and the choice of implants in patients being treated with hip arthroplasty.