Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Results 1 - 17 of 17
Results per page:
Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 106-B, Issue SUPP_2 | Pages 113 - 113
2 Jan 2024
García-Rey E Gómez-Barrena E
Full Access

Pelvic bone defect in patients with severe congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) lead to abnormalities in lumbar spine and lower limb alignment that can determine total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients' outcome. These variables may be different in uni- or bilateral CDH.

We compared the clinical outcome and the spinopelvic and lower limb radiological changes over time in patients undergoing THA due to uni- or bilateral CHD at a minimum follow-up of five years.

Sixty-four patients (77 hips) undergoing THA due to severe CDH between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed: Group 1 consisted of 51 patients with unilateral CDH, and group 2, 113 patients (26 hips) with bilateral CDH. There were 32 females in group 1 and 18 in group 2 (p=0.6). The mean age was 41.6 years in group 1 and 53.6 in group 2 (p<0.001). We compared the hip, spine and knee clinical outcomes. The radiological analysis included the postoperative hip reconstruction, and the evolution of the coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters assessing the pelvic obliquity (PO) and the sacro-femoro-pubic (SFP) angles, and the knee mechanical axis evaluating the tibio-femoral angle (TFA).

At latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 88.6 in group 1 and 90.7 in group 2 (p=0.025). Postoperative leg length discrepancy of more than 5 mm was more frequent in group 1 (p=0.028). Postoperative lumbar back pain was reported in 23.4% of the cases and knee pain in 20.8%, however, there were no differences between groups. One supracondylar femoral osteotomy and one total knee arthroplasty were required. The radiological reconstruction of the hip was similar in both groups. The PO angle improved more in group 1 (p=0.01) from the preoperative to 6-weeks postoperative and was constant at 5 years. The SFP angle improved in both groups but there were no differences between groups (p=0.5). 30 patients in group 1 showed a TFA less than 10º and 17 in group 2 (p=0.7).

Although the clinical outcome was better in terms of hip function in patients with bilateral CDH than those with unilateral CDH, the improvement in low back and knee pain was similar. Patients with unilateral dysplasia showed a better correction of the PO after THA. All spinopelvic and knee alignment parameters were corrected and maintained over time in most cases five years after THA.


Results in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral head osteonecrosis (ON) when compared with primary osteoarthritis (OA) are controversial. Different factors like age, THA type or surgical technique may affect outcome. We hypothesized that patients with ON had an increased revision rate compared with OA. We analysed clinical outcome, estimated the survival rate for revision surgery, and their possible risk factors, in two groups of patients.

In this retrospective cohort analysis of our prospective database, we assessed 2464 primary THAs implanted between 1989 and 2017. Patients with OA were included in group 1, 2090 hips; and patients with ON in group 2, 374 hips. In group 2 there were more men (p<0.001), patients younger than 60 years old (p<0.001) and with greater physical activity (p<0.001). Patients with lumbar OA (p<0.001) and a radiological acetabular shape type B according to Dorr (p<0.001) were more frequent in group 1. Clinical outcome was assessed according to the Harris Hip Score and radiological analysis included postoperative acetabular and femoral component position and hip reconstruction. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of not having revision surgery for different reasons. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess risk factors for revision surgery.

Clinical improvement was better in the ON at all intervals. There were 90 hips revised, 68 due to loosening or wear, 52 (2.5%) in group 1, and 16 (4.3%) in group 2. Overall, the survival rate for revision surgery for any cause at 22 years was 88.0 % (95% CI, 82-94) in group 1 and 84.1% (95% CI, 69 – 99) in group 2 (p=0.019). Multivariate regression analysis showed that hips with conventional polyethylene (PE), compared with highly-cross linked PEs or ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, (p=0.01, Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.12, 95% CI 1.15-3.92), and cups outside the Lewinnek´s safe zone had a higher risk for revision surgery (p<0.001, HR: 2.57, 95% CI 1.69-3.91).

Modern highly-cross linked PEs and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings use, and a proper surgical technique improved revision rate in patients undergoing THA due to ON compared with OA.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 102-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 79 - 79
1 Dec 2020
Stefanou M Vasilakou A Fryda Z Giannakou S Papadimitriou G Pilichou A Antonis K Anastasopoulos I
Full Access

Purpose

Ultrasound of the neonatal and infantile hip is a useful tool in diagnosis and treatment of the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), especially given the fact that numerous cases of DDH do not present any findings in the clinical examination.

Methods

Between January 2014 and May 2020, 10536 (5273 neonates and infants, 53% girls, 47% boys) consecutive neonatal and infantile hip joints were studied using the Graf Hip Ultrasound method.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVIII | Pages 3 - 3
1 Jun 2012
Goudie S Deep K
Full Access

Native anatomy of the arthritic hip is an important consideration in hip replacement surgery and implant design. Acetabular component orientation in total hip replacement (THR) is the single greatest factor that influences dislocation rate. Detailed knowledge regarding orientation of the native acetabulum is therefore essential. Native acetabular orientation in healthy hips is well documented but we could not find any papers detailing native acetabular orientation in the arthritic hip.

A commercially available computer navigation system (Orthopilot BBraun Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used to assess acetabular inclination and anteversion in 65 hips with symptomatic arthritis requiring THR. Acetabular inclination in all hips was also measured on pre op anteroposterior pelvic radiographs.

Patients with DDH were excluded. All patients were Caucasian and had primary osteoarthritis, 29 males and 35 females. Average age 68(SD 8). Mean values as recorded by computer navigation were: inclination 51.4°(SD 7.1); anteversion 11.7°(SD 10.7). As recorded from radiographs mean acetabular inclination was 58.8°(SD 5.7). There was a difference between males and females. Mean navigated inclination: male 50.5°(SD 7.8); female 52.1°(SD 6.7). Mean navigated anteversion: male 8.3°(SD 8.7); female 14.39°(SD 11.6) Mean radiographic inclination: male 57.4°(SD 5.1) and female 59.8°(SD 6)

Natural acetabular orientation in arthritic hips falls out with the safe zones defined by Lewinnek. When compared with healthy hips, as described in current literature, the arthritic hip appears to have a smaller angle of inclination and anteversion, by approximately 5° and 10° respectively, in both males and females. This is useful when positioning the cup during surgery. The difference between males and females, particularly in terms of anteversion, should also be considered.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XVIII | Pages 100 - 100
1 May 2012
Bills P Underwood RJ Cann PM Hart A
Full Access

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing worldwide interest in the assessment of wear in explanted hip components. This is due is part to high profile failures of orthopaedic components in the US, whilst in the UK hip resurfacings have been experiencing a higher than expected failure rate. The reasons for these failures are not well understood, with data from the NJR suggesting the 43% of MoM resurfacing failures are unexplained.

Wear analysis is a vital tool in determining failure mechanisms and ultimately improving the longevity of joint replacements through improved design and manufacturing control. There are currently no relevant measurement standards for the evaluation of retrieved orthopaedic components. This paper will assess two of the most commonly used techniques namely roundness measurement and co-ordinate measurement. The advantages and disadvantages of both techniques are considered in this paper.

ROUNDNESS MACHINE

The Talyrond 365 is a stylus based roundness machine. The component is located on a rotating table and the stylus measures the deviation from a perfect circle as the component is slowly rotated. The Talyrond measures a single profile to an accuracy of 30 nm and up to 72,000 data points per revolution. The air spindle has a radial accuracy of <0.02 μm and the Talymin gauge a minimum resolution of 12 nm. Individual roundness profiles can be stitched together to build up 3D cylinder maps, allowing 3D pictures of sections of explanted hip components to be generated.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_7 | Pages 9 - 9
1 Apr 2014
Marsh A Nisar A El Refai M Meek R Patil S
Full Access

When performing total hip replacements in patients with hip dysplasia, acetabular augmentation may be required to prevent early component failure. Preoperative radiographic templating may help estimate acetabularcomponent coverage but has not previously been shown to predict the need for augmentation.

We developed a simple method to estimate the percentage of acetabular component coverage from pre-operative radiographs (True: False cup ratio). We aimed to evaluate whether this couldpredict the need foracetabular augmentation at primary total hip replacement for patients with dysplastic hips.

We reviewed all patients with hip dysplasia who underwent a primary total hip replacement from 2005–2012. Classification of hip dysplasia (Crowe), centre edge angle (CEA), Sharp and Tonnis angles were determined on pre-operative radiographs for each patient. Templating was performed on anteroposteriorand lateral view hip radiographs to determine the likely percentage of acetabular component coverage using the True: False cup ratio. Patients requiring acetabular augmentation at time of primary total hip arthroplasty were noted.

128 cases were reviewed, 31 (24%) required acetabularaugmentation. Comparison between augmented and non-augmented cases revealed no difference in the mean CEA (p = 0.19), Sharp angles (p = 0.76) or Tonnis angles (p = 0.32). A lower True Cup: False Cup ratio was observed in the augmented groupcompared to the non-augmented group(median = 0.68 vs 0.88, p < 0.01).

Preoperative templating can help predict which dysplastic hips are likely to require acetabular augmentation at primary total hip replacement.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_30 | Pages 36 - 36
1 Aug 2013
Giebaly D Holloway N Young K
Full Access

We report the survival, functional and radiological outcome of a series of Birmingham hip resurfacing procedures performed by a single surgeon at a district general hospital. The aim of this study was to retrospectively report the medium term outcome and survival of our patients.

There were 45 hip resurfacings performed in 38 patients between 2004 and 2010. Patients were followed for a mean duration of four years. Mean age of 52.6 years (range 26 to 65). Although no patients were lost to follow up, four did not complete the oxford hip scoring assessment.

The median Oxford hip score was 16.25 points (range 12–39 points, standard deviation 5.9) at 48 months follow up (range 11.5–84.2 months). The mean acetabular inclination was 46.9 (range 40.9–59.9) in the 45 hip resurfacings post operatively.

There was one patient with varus subsidence of the prosthesis and one patient with persistent hip pain post operatively under investigation currently. There was no definite radiological evidence of loosening or of narrowing of the femoral neck. No cases were revised and no cases developed any other complications.

These medium-term results from a district general hospital are comparable to the other studies performed. Few independent studies have reported the outcome of resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip in a district general hospital. Further evaluation and follow up of these patients is required to address the concerns raised by other centers related to fracture and metal debris.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_VIII | Pages 25 - 25
1 Mar 2012
Gardeniers J Rijnen W Schreurs B Buma P Yamano K Slooff T
Full Access

Introduction

The different types of treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head have not led to a consensus about which treatment is best for the different stages. Particularly in the later stages of osteonecrosis, the disease still progresses to destruction of the femoral dome. The purpose of our study was to check the outcome of bone impaction grafting used for the head-preserving treatment of severe femoral head osteonecrosis. In order to preserve the femoral head, the sphericity and mechanical properties of the femoral dome must be contained and further collapse prevented.

Methods

In this prospective study, we included 28 hips in 27 patients who had severe complaints of pain due to an extensive osteonecrotic lesion. The mean age of the patients was 33 years with a mean follow up time of 42 months.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_VIII | Pages 17 - 17
1 Mar 2012
Busch VJ Klarenbeek RL Gardeniers JWM Schreurs BW
Full Access

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in young patients are associated with high failure rates. We always use cemented total hip implants, however, in cases with acetabular bone stock loss we perform bone impaction grafting. Our purpose was to evaluate the outcome of 69 consecutive primary cemented total hips in patients younger than 30 years followed between 2 to 18 years.

Methods

Between 1988 and 2004, 69 consecutive primary cemented THAs (mainly Exeters) were performed in 48 patients (32 women, 16 men) younger than thirty years. Average age at time of operation was 25 years (range, 16 to 29 years). Twenty-nine hips (42%) underwent acetabular bone impaction grafting because of acetabular bone loss. Mean follow-up was 10 years (range, 2 to 18 years). Revisions were determined, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Oxford Hip Questionnaire Score (OHQS) were obtained and radiographs were analyzed. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_9 | Pages 28 - 28
17 Apr 2023
Jimenez-Cruz D Dubey M Board T Williams S
Full Access

Hip joint biomechanics can be altered by abnormal morphology of the acetabulum and/or femur. This may affect load distribution and contact stresses on the articular surfaces, hence, leading to damage and degradation of the tissue. Experimental hip joint simulators have been used to assess tribology of total hip replacements and recently methods further developed to assess the natural hip joint mechanics. The aim of this study was to evaluate articular surfaces of human cadaveric joints following prolonged experimental simulation under a standard gait cycle. Four cadaveric male right hips (mean age = 62 years) were dissected, the joint disarticulated and capsule removed. The acetabulum and femoral head were mounted in an anatomical hip simulator (Simulation Solutions, UK). A simplified twin peak gait cycle (peak load of 3kN) was applied. Hips were submerged in Ringers solution (0.04% sodium azide) and testing conducted at 1 Hertz for 32 hours (115,200 cycles). Soft tissue degradation was recorded using photogrammetry at intervals throughout testing. All four hips were successfully tested. Prior to simulation, two samples exhibited articular surface degradation and one had a minor scalpel cut and a small area of cartilage delamination. The pre-simulation damage got slightly worse as the simulation continued but no new areas of damage were detected upon inspection. The samples without surface degradation, showed no damage during testing and the labral sealing effect was more obvious in these samples. The fact that no new areas of damage were detected after long simulations, indicates that the loading conditions and positioning of the sample were appropriate, so the simulation can be used as a control to compare mechanical degradation of the natural hip when provoked abnormal conditions or labral tissue repairs are simulated


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 87-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1561 - 1567
1 Nov 2005
Janssen D Aquarius R Stolk J Verdonschot N

The Capital Hip implant was a Charnley-based system which included a flanged and a roundback stem, both of which were available in stainless steel and titanium. The system was withdrawn from the market because of its inferior performance. However, all four of the designs did not produce poor rates of survival. Using a simulated-based, finite-element analysis, we have analysed the Capital Hip system. Our aim was to investigate whether our simulation was able to detect differences which could account for the varying survival between the Capital Hip designs, thereby further validating the simulation. We created finite-element models of reconstructions with the flanged and roundback Capital Hips. A loading history was applied representing normal walking and stair-climbing, while we monitored the formation of fatigue cracks in the cement. Corresponding to the clinical findings, our simulation was able to detect the negative effects of the titanium material and the flanged design in the Capital Hip system. Although improvements could be made by including the effect of the roughness of the surface of the stem, our study increased the value of the model as a predictive tool for determining failure of an implant


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 1 | Pages 52 - 56
1 Jan 2017
Hothi HS Kendoff D Lausmann C Henckel J Gehrke T Skinner J Hart A

Objectives. Mechanical wear and corrosion at the head-stem junction of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) (trunnionosis) have been implicated in their early revision, most commonly in metal-on-metal (MOM) hips. We can isolate the role of the head-stem junction as the predominant source of metal release by investigating non-MOM hips; this can help to identify clinically significant volumes of material loss and corrosion from these surfaces. Methods. In this study we examined a series of 94 retrieved metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) hips for evidence of corrosion and material loss at the taper junction using a well published visual grading method and an established roundness-measuring machine protocol. Hips were retrieved from 74 male and 20 female patients with a median age of 57 years (30 to 76) and a median time to revision of 215 months (2 to 324). The reasons for revision were loosening of both the acetabular component and the stem (n = 29), loosening of the acetabular component (n = 58) and infection (n = 7). No adverse tissue reactions were reported by the revision surgeons. Results. Evidence of corrosion was observed in 55% of hips. The median Goldberg taper corrosion score was 2 (1 to 4) and the annual rate of material loss at the taper was 0.084 mm. 3. /year (0 to 0.239). The median trunnion corrosion score was 1 (1 to 3). Conclusions. We have reported a level of trunnionosis for MOP hips with large-diameter heads that were revised for reasons other than trunnionosis, and therefore may be clinically insignificant. Cite this article: H. S. Hothi, D. Kendoff, C. Lausmann, J. Henckel, T. Gehrke, J. Skinner, A. Hart. Clinically insignificant trunnionosis in large-diameter metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:52–56. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0150.R2


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 81-B, Issue 1 | Pages 163 - 166
1 Jan 1999
Nivbrant B Karlsson K Kärrholm J

We analysed synovial fluid from 88 hips, 38 with osteoarthritis and 12 with well-functioning and 38 with loose hip prostheses. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß (71 hips) and IL-6 (45 hips) were measured using the ELISA technique. Joints with well-functioning or loose prostheses had significantly increased levels of TNF-α compared with those with osteoarthritis. Hips with aseptic loosening also had higher levels of IL-1ß but not of IL-6 compared with those without an implant. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß did not differ between hips with stable and loose prostheses. Higher levels of TNF-α were found in hips with bone resorption of type II and type III (Gustilo-Pasternak) compared with those with type-I loosening. The level of cytokines in joint fluid was not influenced by the time in situ of the implants or the age, gender or area of the osteolysis as measured on conventional radiographs. Our findings support the theory that macrophages in the joint capsule increase the production of TNF-α at an early phase probably because of particle load and in the absence of clinical loosening. Since TNF-α has an important role in the osteolytic process, the interfaces should be protected from penetration of joint fluid


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 10, Issue 6 | Pages 48 - 50
1 Dec 2021
Evans JT French JMR Whitehouse MR


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_VIII | Pages 48 - 48
1 Mar 2012
Beaulé PE
Full Access

The renewed interest in the clinically proven low wear of the metal-on-metal bearing combined with the capacity of inserting a thin walled cementless acetabular component has fostered the reintroduction of hip resurfacing. As in other forms of conservative hip surgery, i.e. pelvic osteotomies and impingement surgery, patient selection will help minimize complications and the need for early reoperation. Patient Selection and Hip Resurfacing. Although hip resurfacing was initially plagued with high failure rates, the introduction of metal on metal bearings as well as hybrid fixation has shown excellent survivorships of 97 to 99% at 4 to 5 years follow-up. However, it is important to critically look at the initial published results. In all of these series there was some form of patient selection. For example, in the Daniel and associates publications, only patients with osteoarthritis with an age less than 55 were included with 79% of patients being male. Treacy and associates stated that: “the operation was offered to men under the age of 65 years and women under the age of 60 years, with normal bone stock judged by plain radiographs and an expectation that they would return to an active lifestyle, including some sports”. However in the materials and methods, although the mean age is 52 years, the range is from 17 to 76 years including some patients with rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteonecrosis. Obviously, some form of patient selection is needed; but how one integrates them is where the Surface Arthroplasty Risk Index (SARI) is useful. With a maximum score of 6, points are assigned accordingly: femoral head cyst >1cm: 2 points; patient weight <82kg: 2 points; previous hip surgery: 1 point; UCLA Activity level >6: 1 point. A SARI score >3 represented a 4 fold increase risk in early failure or adverse radiological changes and with a survivorship of 89% at four years. The SARI index also proved to be relevant in assessing the outcome of the all cemented McMinn resurfacing implant (Corin¯, Circentester, England) at a mean follow-up of 8.7 years. Hips which had failed or with evidence of radiographic failure on the femoral side had a significantly higher SARI score than the remaining hips, 3.9 versus 1.9. Finally, one must consider the underlying diagnosis when evaluating a patient for hip resurfacing. In cases of dysplasia, acetabular deficiencies combined with the inability of inserting screws through the acetabular component may make initial implant stability unpredictable. This deformity in combination with a significant leg length discrepancy or valgus femoral neck could compromise the functional results of surface arthroplasty, and in those situations a stem type total hip replacement may provide a superior functional outcome. In respect to other diagnoses (osteonecrosis, inflammatory arthritis), initial analyses have not demonstrated any particular diagnostic group at greater risk of earlier failure. The only reservation we have is in patients with compromised renal function since metal ions generated from the metal-on-metal bearing are excreted through the urine and the lack of clearance of these ions may lead to excessive levels in the blood. Surgical Technique. Because resurfacing has not been within the training curriculum of orthopaedic surgeons for the last 2 decades, there will most likely be a learning curve in the integration of this implant within clinical practice. This data was confirmed for hip resurfacing when looking at the Canadian Academic Experience where in the first 50 cases of five arthroplasty surgeons only a 3.2% failure rate was noted of which 1.6% were due to neck fracture. Femoral neck fracture can occur because of significant varus positioning as well as osteonecrosis of the femoral head due to either disruption of the blood supply or over cement penetration. Finally, abnormal wear patterns leading to severe soft tissue reactions are being increasingly recognized and are related to either impingement or vertically placed acetabular components. Although impingement has long been recognized after total hip arthroplasty to limit range of motion and in extreme cases to hip instability, the risk after hip resurfacing may be greater since the femoral head-neck unit is preserved. Beaulé and associates have reported that 56% of hips treated by hip resurfacing have an abnormal offset ratio pre-operatively, with the two main diagnostic groups presenting deficient head-neck offset being osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis both of which have been associated with femoroacetabular impingement in the pre arthritic state. Conclusion. Although patients with a high activity level are likely to put their hip arthroplasties at risk for earlier failure, limiting a patient's activity because of fear of revision with a stem type hip arthroplasty has been shown to negatively impact the quality of life at long term follow-up. Thus hip resurfacing arthroplasty plays a significant role in the treatment of hip arthritis by permitting a return to full activities or what the patient perceives as his/her full capacities to do so, permitting them to enjoy a better quality of life without fearing a major hip revision


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 1 | Pages 141 - 144
1 Jan 2015
Hughes AW Clark D Carlino W Gosling O Spencer RF

Reported rates of dislocation in hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) for the treatment of intra-capsular fractures of the hip, range between 1% and 10%. HA is frequently performed through a direct lateral surgical approach. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of the anterior capsule to the stability of a cemented HA through a direct lateral approach.

A total of five whole-body cadavers were thawed at room temperature, providing ten hip joints for investigation. A Thompson HA was cemented in place via a direct lateral approach. The cadavers were then positioned supine, both knee joints were disarticulated and a digital torque wrench was attached to the femur using a circular frame with three half pins. The wrench applied an external rotation force with the hip in extension to allow the hip to dislocate anteriorly. Each hip was dislocated twice; once with a capsular repair and once without repairing the capsule. Stratified sampling ensured the order in which this was performed was alternated for the paired hips on each cadaver.

Comparing peak torque force in hips with the capsule repaired and peak torque force in hips without repair of the capsule, revealed a significant difference between the ‘capsule repaired’ (mean 22.96 Nm, standard deviation (sd) 4.61) and the ‘capsule not repaired’ group (mean 5.6 Nm, sd 2.81) (p < 0.001). Capsular repair may help reduce the risk of hip dislocation following HA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:141–4.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 87-B, Issue 7 | Pages 1012 - 1018
1 Jul 2005
Beck M Kalhor M Leunig M Ganz R

Recently, femoroacetabular impingement has been recognised as a cause of early osteoarthritis. There are two mechanisms of impingement: 1) cam impingement caused by a non-spherical head and 2) pincer impingement caused by excessive acetabular cover. We hypothesised that both mechanisms result in different patterns of articular damage. Of 302 analysed hips only 26 had an isolated cam and 16 an isolated pincer impingement. Cam impingement caused damage to the anterosuperior acetabular cartilage with separation between the labrum and cartilage. During flexion, the cartilage was sheared off the bone by the non-spherical femoral head while the labrum remained untouched. In pincer impingement, the cartilage damage was located circumferentially and included only a narrow strip. During movement the labrum is crushed between the acetabular rim and the femoral neck causing degeneration and ossification.

Both cam and pincer impingement lead to osteoarthritis of the hip. Labral damage indicates ongoing impingement and rarely occurs alone.