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Nevalainen MT, Uusimaa AP, Saarakkala S. The ultrasound assessment of osteoarthritis: the current status. Skeletal Radiol 2023; 52:2271-2282. [PMID: 37060461 PMCID: PMC10509065 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed with the clinical examination supplemented by the conventional radiography (CR). In the research literature, the role of ultrasound (US) imaging in the diagnostics of OA has risen steadily during the last two decades. US imaging is cheap and globally widely available often already in primary healthcare. Here, we reviewed the most essential US literature focusing on OA diagnostics and progression prediction using the various search engines. Starting from the year 2000, our search provided 1 445 journal articles. After reviewing the abstracts, 89 articles were finally included. Most of the reviewed articles focused on the imaging of knee and hand OA, whereas only a minority dealt with the imaging of hip, ankle, midfoot, acromioclavicular, and temporomandibular joints. Overall, during the last 20 years, the use of US imaging for OA assessment has increased in the scientific literature. In knee and hand joints, US imaging has been reported to be a promising tool to evaluate OA changes. Furthermore, the reproducibility of US as well as its association to MRI findings are excellent. Importantly, US seems to even outperform CR in certain aspects, such as detection of osteophytes, joint inflammation, meniscus protrusion, and localized cartilage damage (especially at the medial femoral condyle and sulcus area). Based on the reviewed literature, US can be truly considered as a complementary tool to CR in the clinical setup for OA diagnostics. New technical developments may even enhance the diagnostic value of the US in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika T Nevalainen
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, POB 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland.
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, 90029, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Antti-Pekka Uusimaa
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, POB 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Simo Saarakkala
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, POB 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
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Probyn L, Flores D, Rowbotham E, Cresswell M, Atinga A. High-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of the adult hip. J Ultrason 2023; 23:e223-e238. [PMID: 38020511 PMCID: PMC10668929 DOI: 10.15557/jou.2023.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews ultrasound of the hip, which is a commonly requested examination for symptomatic hip issues. This includes both intra-articular and extra-articular causes of hip pain. Ultrasound is easily accessible, lacks radiation exposure, and allows for evaluation of the contralateral hip as well as assessment of dynamic maneuvers. Ultrasound can be used to guide interventional procedures. Ultrasound of the hip can be challenging due to the deep location of structures and complex anatomy. Typically, high-frequency transducers are used to examine the hip, however the choice of ultrasound transducer depends on the patient's body habitus, with lower frequency transducers required to penetrate deep structures in obese patients. It is important to have an approach to ultrasound of the hip which includes assessment of the anterior, lateral, posterior, and medial aspects of the hip. The technique and relevant anatomy of each of these compartments are discussed as well as the use of Doppler examination of the hip. Several dynamic maneuvers can be performed to help determine the cause of hip pathology in various locations, and these are described and illustrated. Ultrasound is useful for guided procedures about the hip, and these indications will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Probyn
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dyan Flores
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Emma Rowbotham
- Department of Medical Imaging, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Cresswell
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Angela Atinga
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Ahedi H, Aitken D, Blizzard L, Cicuttini F, Jones G. Quantification of hip effusion-synovitis and its cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with hip pain, MRI findings and early radiographic hip OA. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:533. [PMID: 32778082 PMCID: PMC7419183 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03532-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hip effusion-synovitis may be relevant to osteoarthritis (OA) but is of uncertain etiology. The aim of this study was to describe the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of hip effusion-synovitis with clinical and structural risk factors of OA in older adults. METHODS One hundred ninety-six subjects from the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort (TASOAC) study with a right hip STIR (Short T1 Inversion Recovery) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on two occasions were included. Hip effusion-synovitis CSA (cm2) was assessed quantitatively. Hip pain was determined by WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis) while hip bone marrow lesions (BMLs), cartilage defects (femoral and/or acetabular) and high cartilage signal were assessed on MRI. Joint space narrowing (0-3) and osteophytes (0-3) were measured on x-ray using Altman's atlas. RESULTS Of 196 subjects, 32% (n = 63) had no or a small hip effusion-synovitis while 68% (n = 133) subjects had a moderate or large hip effusion-synovitis. Both groups were similar but those with moderate or large hip effusion-synovitis were older, had higher BMI and more hip pain. Cross-sectionally, hip effusion-synovitis at multiple sites was associated with presence of hip pain [Prevalence ratio (PR):1.42 95%CI:1.05,1.93], but not with severity of hip pain. Furthermore, hip effusion-synovitis size associated with femoral defect (βeta:0.32 95%CI:0.08,0.56). Longitudinally, and incident hip cartilage defect (PR: 2.23 95%CI:1.00, 4.97) were associated with an increase in hip effusion-synovitis CSA. Furthermore, independent of presence of effusion-synovitis, hip BMLs predicted incident (PR: 1.62 95%CI: 1.13, 2.34) and worsening of hip cartilage defects (PR: 1.50 95%CI: 1.20, 1.86). While hip cartilage defect predicted incident (PR: 1.11 95%CI: 1.03, 1.20) and worsening hip BMLs (PR: 1.16 95%CI: 1.04, 1.30). CONCLUSIONS Hip effusion-synovitis at multiple sites (presumably reflecting extent) may be associated with hip pain. Hip BMLs and hip cartilage defects are co-dependent and predict worsening hip effusion-synovitis, indicating causal pathways between defects, BMLs and effusion-synovitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harbeer Ahedi
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Dawn Aitken
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Leigh Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Flavia Cicuttini
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Graeme Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Teirlinck CH, Dorleijn DMJ, Bos PK, Rijkels-Otters JBM, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Luijsterburg PAJ. Prognostic factors for progression of osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:192. [PMID: 31443685 PMCID: PMC6708123 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1969-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Predicting which patients with hip osteoarthritis are more likely to show disease progression is important for healthcare professionals. Therefore, the aim of this review was to assess which factors are predictive of progression in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Methods A literature search was made up until 14 March 2019. Included were cohort and case-control studies evaluating the association between factors and progression (either clinical, radiological, or THR). Excluded were studies with a follow-up < 1 year or specific underlying pathologies of osteoarthritis. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. A best-evidence synthesis was conducted. Results We included 57 articles describing 154 different factors. Of these, a best-evidence synthesis was possible for 103 factors, separately for clinical and radiological progression, and progression to total hip replacement. We found strong evidence for more clinical progression in patients with comorbidity and more progression to total hip replacement for a higher Kellgren and Lawrence grade, superior or (supero) lateral femoral head migration, and subchondral sclerosis. Strong evidence for no association was found regarding clinical progression for gender, social support, pain medication, quality of life, and limited range of motion of internal rotation or external rotation. Also, strong evidence for no association was found regarding radiological progression for the markers CTX-I, COMP, NTX-I, PINP, and PIIINP and regarding progression to total hip replacement for body mass index. Conclusion Strong evidence suggested that 4 factors were predictive of progression of hip osteoarthritis, whereas 12 factors were not predictive of progression. Evidence for most of the reported factors was either limited or conflicting. Protocol registration PROSPERO, CRD42015010757 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1969-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Teirlinck
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - D M J Dorleijn
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P K Bos
- Department of Orthopedics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J B M Rijkels-Otters
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S M A Bierma-Zeinstra
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Orthopedics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P A J Luijsterburg
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Steer KJD, Bostick GP, Woodhouse LJ, Nguyen TT, Schankath A, Lambert RGW, Jaremko JL. Can effusion-synovitis measured on ultrasound or MRI predict response to intra-articular steroid injection in hip osteoarthritis? Skeletal Radiol 2019; 48:227-237. [PMID: 29980827 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-018-3010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intra-articular steroid injection (IASI) is an effective therapy for hip osteoarthritis (OA), but carries risks and provides significant pain relief to only two thirds of patients. We attempted to predict response to IASI in hip OA patients using baseline clinical, ultrasound, and MRI data. METHODS Observational study of 97 subjects with symptomatic hip OA presenting for IASI. At baseline and 8 weeks we obtained hip MRI, grayscale and Doppler ultrasound, clinical range of motion (ROM), timed-up and go test (TUG) scores, and self-reported Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, and function scores. Bone-capsule distance (BCD) measurements of inflammation on hip ultrasound and MRI were measured at three locations: the proximal-most uncovered portion of the femoral head, the superficial-most (apex) portion of the femoral head, and the largest fluid pocket at the femoral neck. RESULTS Ultrasound and MRI BCD correlated with each other significantly and strongly at the apex and neck. Power Doppler findings did not correlate significantly with any other imaging indices. Eight weeks post-injection, WOMAC pain, function, and stiffness scores significantly improved and TUG time improved nearly to the level of significance, but there were no significant changes in ultrasound, MRI, or Doppler indices. Baseline variables were not significantly different between responder and nonresponder WOMAC pain or TUG time cohorts. CONCLUSION Basic measures of inflammation on ultrasound and MRI are highly related to each other, but provide little insight into patient function and pain after IASI. Other mechanisms to explain improvement in patient status after IASI are likely at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J D Steer
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2A2.41 WMC, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
| | - G P Bostick
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - L J Woodhouse
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - T T Nguyen
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2A2.41 WMC, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - A Schankath
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2A2.41 WMC, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - R G W Lambert
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2A2.41 WMC, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - J L Jaremko
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2A2.41 WMC, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
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Wang X, Oo WM, Linklater JM. What is the role of imaging in the clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis and disease management? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:iv51-iv60. [PMID: 29351654 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While OA is predominantly diagnosed on the basis of clinical criteria, imaging may aid with differential diagnosis in clinically suspected cases. While plain radiographs are traditionally the first choice of imaging modality, MRI and US also have a valuable role in assessing multiple pathologic features of OA, although each has particular advantages and disadvantages. Although modern imaging modalities provide the capability to detect a wide range of osseous and soft tissue (cartilage, menisci, ligaments, synovitis, effusion) OA-related structural damage, this extra information has not yet favourably influenced the clinical decision-making and management process. Imaging is recommended if there are unexpected rapid changes in clinical outcomes to determine whether it relates to disease severity or an additional diagnosis. On developing specific treatments, imaging serves as a sensitive tool to measure treatment response. This narrative review aims to describe the role of imaging modalities to aid in OA diagnosis, disease progression and management. It also provides insight into the use of these modalities in finding targeted treatment strategies in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Win Min Oo
- Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James M Linklater
- Department of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Castlereagh Sports Imaging Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Wang X, Hunter DJ, Jin X, Ding C. The importance of synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis: current evidence from imaging assessments and clinical trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018; 26:165-174. [PMID: 29224742 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Synovial abnormalities have been observed at multiple stages of osteoarthritis (OA). Increasing evidence suggests that it may play an important role in the OA pathological process. Many assessment systems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound have been established to detect synovial inflammation in OA. These have been used to inform the current investigation of OA disease phenotypes and progression and can be utilised in the future for clinical trials developing potential treatments. This narrative review aims to illustrate the importance of synovial tissue in OA and provide an overview of imaging assessments and possible therapies targeting synovial abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital and Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D J Hunter
- Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital and Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - X Jin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Ding
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Translational Research Centre, Academy of Orthopedics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Gao YY, Wu CQ, Liu WX, Zhang L, Li CL. High-resolution Sonographic Measurements of Lower Extremity Bursae in Chinese Healthy Young Men. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 129:309-12. [PMID: 26831233 PMCID: PMC4799575 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.174487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lower extremity bursae are very vulnerable to injury during strenuous physical exercises. Understanding the imaging characteristics of normal bursae is essential for early diagnosis of morphological abnormalities. Therefore, we evaluated the normal range of lower extremity bursae in healthy young men using high-resolution ultrasound (HR-US) imaging. Methods: Bursae in the lower extremities were examined by HR-US in 290 Chinese healthy young men with a median age of 18 years (range, 18–23 years). The bilateral suprapatellar bursa (SPB), deep infrapatellar bursa (DIPB), popliteal bursa (PB), and retrocalcaneal bursa (RCB) were imaged and measured for analysis. Results: The HR-US identification rates of the SPB, DIPB, PB, and RCB were 89.0% (517/580), 55.0% (319/580), 29.4% (171/580), and 49.5% (287/580), respectively. With the assumption that the bursae were normal in 95% of the study participants, the length and width values at the maximal cross-section of the SPB, DIPB, PB, and RCB were ≤18.00 and 6.09 mm, 8.10 and 2.11 mm, 7.67 and 3.93 mm, and 7.82 and 2.04 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Using HR-US imaging, we were able to analyze lower extremity bursae with high detection rates in healthy young men. The normal ranges of lower extremity bursa dimensions in healthy young men measured by HR-US in this study could be used as reference values for evaluation of bursa abnormalities in the lower extremity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chun-Ling Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, China
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Wang Y, Teichtahl AJ, Cicuttini FM. Osteoarthritis year in review 2015: imaging. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2016; 24:49-57. [PMID: 26707992 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This narrative review covers original publications related to imaging in osteoarthritis (OA) published in English between 1 April 2014 and 30 April 2015. Novel lessons relating to imaging are described. METHODS An extensive PubMed database search was performed based on, but not limited to the terms "OA" in combination with "Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)", "Imaging", "Radiography", "Ultrasound", "Computed tomography (CT)" and "Nuclear medicine" to extract relevant studies. In vitro data and animal studies were excluded. This review focuses on the new developments and observations based on the aforementioned imaging modalities, as well as a 'whole-organ' approach by presenting findings from different tissues (bone, meniscus, synovium, muscle and fat) and joints (hip, lumbar spine and hand). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Over the past year, studies using imagine have made a major contribution to the understanding of the pathogenesis of OA. Significant work has continued at the knee, with MRI now being increasingly used to assess structural endpoints in clinical trials. This offers the exciting opportunity to explore potential disease modifying OA therapies. There has been a clear interest in the role of bone in the pathogenesis of OA. There is now a growing body of literature examining the pathogenesis of OA at the hip, lumbar spine and hand. The future of imaging in OA offers the exciting potential to better understand the disease process across all joints and develop more effective preventive and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - A J Teichtahl
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - F M Cicuttini
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Femoroacetabular impingement is a recognized cause of chondrolabral injury. Although surgical treatment for impingement seeks to improve range of motion, there are very little normative data on dynamic impingement-free hip range of motion (ROM) in asymptomatic people. Hip ultrasound demonstrates labral anatomy and femoral morphology and, when used dynamically, can assist in measuring range of motion. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES The purposes of this study were (1) to measure impingement-free hip ROM until labral deflection is observed; and (2) to measure the maximum degree of sagittal plane hip flexion when further flexion is limited by structural femoroacetabular abutment. METHODS Forty asymptomatic adult male volunteers (80 hips) between the ages of 21 and 35 years underwent bilateral static and dynamic hip ultrasound examination. Femoral morphology was characterized and midsagittal flexion passive ROM was measured at two points: (1) at the initiation of labral deformation; and (2) at maximum flexion when the femur impinged on the acetabular rim. The mean age of the subjects was 28 ± 3 years and the mean body mass index was 25 ± 4 kg/m(2). RESULTS Mean impingement-free hip passive flexion measured from full extension to initial labral deflection was 68° ± 17° (95% confidence interval [CI], 65-72). Mean maximum midsagittal passive flexion, measured at the time of bony impingement, was 96° ± 6° (95% CI, 95-98). CONCLUSIONS Using dynamic ultrasound, we found that passive ROM in the asymptomatic hip was much less than the motion reported in previous studies. Measuring ROM using ultrasound is more accurate because it allows anatomic confirmation of terminal hip motion. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Surgical procedures used to treat femoroacetabular impingement are designed to restore or increase hip ROM and their results should be evaluated in light of precise normative data. This study suggests that normal passive impingement-free femoroacetabular flexion in the young adult male is approximately 95°.
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