Femoroacetabular impingement is considered a cause of hip osteoarthrosis. In cam impingement, an aspherical head-neck junction
is squeezed into the joint and causes acetabular cartilage damage. The anterior offset angle α, observed on a lateral crosstable
radiograph, reflects the location where the femoral head becomes aspheric. Previous studies reported a mean angle α of 42°
in asymptomatic patients. Currently, it is believed an angle α of 50° to 55° is normal. The aim of this study was to identify
that angle α which allows impingement-free motion. In 45 patients who underwent surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement,
we measured the angle α preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively. All hips underwent femoral
correction and, if necessary, acetabular correction. The correction was considered sufficient when, in 90° hip flexion, an
internal rotation of 20° to 25° was possible. The angle α was corrected from a preoperative mean of 66° (range, 45°–79°) to
43° (range, 34°–60°) postoperatively. Because the acetabulum is corrected to normal first, the femoral correction is tested
against a normal acetabulum. We therefore concluded an angle α of 43° achieved surgically and with impingement-free motion,
represents the normal angle α, an angle lower than that currently considered sufficient.
Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest,
patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.