A Three-View Radiographic Approach to Femoroacetabular Impingement

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2018 Sep;47(9). doi: 10.12788/ajo.2018.0072.

Abstract

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an abnormality of the hip joint that is increasingly being recognized as a cause of athletic disability and early degenerative hip disease. Despite significant advances in the knowledge of FAI, it remains a frequently unrecognized cause of hip pain in adolescents and young adults among orthopedic providers. The purpose of this article is to present a simple 3-view radiographic approach to young adults with hip pain. The radiographs include a standing anteroposterior view of the pelvis, a cross-table lateral view, and a false profile view. Good quality radiographs showing the common sites of potential impingement combined with a basic understanding of certain radiographic parameters may allow faster diagnosis, eliminate unnecessary studies, and allow earlier referral and management.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Femoracetabular Impingement / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography*