Relationship between Spinopelvic Parameters and Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingment: A Scoping Review

Abstract Aim Reports have shown that spinopelvic mobility influences the outcome following total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the relationship between spinopelvic parameters (SPP) and symptomatic femoroacetabluar impingement (FAI). Method A systematic computer search of EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane for literature related to SPPs and FAI was undertaken as per PRISMA guidelines. Clinical outcome studies and prospective/retrospective studies that investigated the role of SPPs in symptomatic FAI were included. Review articles, case reports and book chapters were excluded. Information extracted pertained to symptomatic cam deformities, pelvic tilt, deviations in acetabular version, decreases in pain-free hip range of motion (ROM) on dynamic hip movements and radiological signs of FAI. Results The literature search identified 46 papers out of 1168 investigating the link between SPPs and pathological processes characteristic of FAI. Anteior pelvic tilt was associated with radiographic over-coverage parameters of FAI. Three studies associated FAI pathology with a greater pelvic incidence (PI), while four associated it with a smaller PI. In dynamic movements, decreased posterior pelvic tilt and reduced saggital pelvic ROM was found in symptomatic FAI patients during hip flexion. Conclusions Our study shows that spinopelvic parameters can influence radiological and clinical manifestations of FAI, with pelvic incidence, acetabular version and muscular imbalances being aetiologically implicated. Individual spinopelvic mobility may predispose to the development of FAI, which may be amenable to non-surgical management. If FAI pathoanatomy already exists however, sagittal pelvic parameters can influence whether FAI symptoms develop, and the extent to which they do so.