Alpha angles have been used to identify the precise area on the femoral head/neck junction that causes cam-type FAI. Now, computer programs are available to calculate the precise motion pattern of a hip joint and identify areas of FAI, dysplasia and other morphological abnormalities. We hypothesise that one cannot rely on the alpha angle alone to predict the precise area of resection required to remove cam impingement. We used Clinical Graphics software to analyse a cohort of 142 hips. We recorded the alpha angle at 12, 1, 2 and 3 o'clock and whether resection was recommended by the software at these points. We then removed the patients with acetabular influences on potential FAI (pure cam group).Introduction
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