AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MODIFIED FEMORAL NECK–SHAFT ANGLE: AN MRI BASED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Najamul Huda; Ankur Agarawal; Man Mohan Sharma; Saurabh Agarwal

Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2020

AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MODIFIED FEMORAL NECK–SHAFT ANGLE: AN MRI BASED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Najamul Huda, Ankur Agarawal, Man Mohan Sharma, Saurabh Agarwal

Abstract :

Background: Femoral neck–shaft angle has its importance in describing biomechanics of hip. Measurement methods like plain radiography and CT scans have its limitations. The modified neck–shaft angle (mNSA) drawn on MRI scans is less susceptible to rotational effects and is more reliable for getting normal values. The present study was undertaken to assess the neck shaft angle on MRI and establish differences according to age and gender. Methods: Total 200 adults were recruited and equally distributed under four study cohorts according to age and gender. MRI of hip joint was analysed and mNSA was measured using pre–defined axial lines and landmarks. Results: The mean age of the participants was 49.76�18.184 years (18 to 87 years). The mean mNSA was 147.855o. Males had significantly higher mean mNSA (149.93�6.61)o than females (145.78�5.71)o. Though the younger age group (<60 years) had higher mNSA values (148.32�6.65) than older (> 60years) age group (147.3900�6.35), the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: We conclude that gender–based variation exists in the population with the higher values of mNSA in males as compared to females in any age group. The age based difference is also present, but it is not significant. Neck shaft angle calculated on the MRI has the advantage that it is unaffected by rotation of the hip and is radiation free. The orthopaedic surgeons can use the mNSA for the diagnosis and planning surgeries around hip, for designing implants and prosthesis. It can also be of help for the forensic anthropologists and to the anatomists. Multicentric studies may be undertaken to include a larger population.