Femoral head fovea capitis variant configurations and age related changes- a radiological study

Abstract

Background: Many studies in the literature focused on the proximal geometry of the femur using cadaveric samples, X-rays or computed tomography, demonstrated substantial differences in the proximal femoral geometry in different patient groups. Many radiological parameters have been introduced in the literature to aid in diagnosis and surgical interventions. Objectives: We aimed to assess the diameter of the femoral head fovea capitis in both genders with different age groups and to record their variant configurations. Patients and Methods: Six-hundred true pelvis anteroposterior radiographs of patients were divided into three different age groups. Results: In group 1, the general average values of fovea capitis index (FCI) in both female and male genders were 25.35% ± 4.12% and 26.82 ± 4.81%, respectively (P = 0.08). The general average FCI value of both sides was 26.08% ± 4.46%. In group 2, the general average values of FCI values in both female and male genders were 26.69% ± 5.27% and 26.88% ± 4.77%, respectively (P = 0.43). The general average FCI value of both sides was 26.78% ± 4.93%. In group 3, the general average values of FCI value in both female and male genders were 28.86% ± 4.98% and 29.16% ± 3.82%, respectively (P = 0.27). The general average value of both sides was 28.93% ± 4.40%. Conclusion: Fovea capitis size increases with aging process. It has four different configurations. Further clinical studies should be conducted to correlate the different configurations with other femoral head pathologies and anatomical variations.