Acetabular morphology variations in a Hispanic population.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Rotational abnormalities of the hip have been implicated in the etiology of diseases, such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and femoroacetabular impingement. Despite the extensive literature on hip morphology, there is a gap in knowledge regarding variations in the Hispanic population. PURPOSE To describe the bony anatomy variations of the acetabulum in a Hispanic population. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. We studied 182 computed tomography (CT) images in patients aged older than 21 years, who had undergone pelvic CT for any condition, except hip fracture. Measurements of acetabular version, anterior and posterior acetabular sector angles (AASA/PASA) and horizontal acetabular sector angles (HASA) were made. Acetabular variations were then compared to weight and sex data. RESULTS The mean acetabular anteversion was greater in women (P < 0.001). Women exhibited a greater PASA (P < 0.05); however, men had a greater AASA (P < 0.05). Underweight individuals had a smaller PASA (P < 0.01) and HASA (P < 0.05) than individuals with a normal weight. CONCLUSION The Hispanic hip is morphologically similar to other populations previously reported in the literature; however, Hispanic men have less coverage of the femoral head by the posterior acetabular wall when compared to women of the same ethnicity. These abnormalities have a direct impact on management and surgical approach in patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement and hip dysplasia.