Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
07:43
In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
3.7K
Clinical Physical Exam Shows High Sensitivity for Detecting Labral Tears in Individuals With Femoroacetabular
Carson Halliwell1,2,3, Rebecca Moyer1, George Konstantinidis4
1School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Summary
Physical exams, when positive, are more effective than magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) for diagnosing labral tears in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. This study highlights the diagnostic performance of physical examinations for hip labral tears.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) often involves acetabular labral tears, which can cause hip pain and dysfunction.
- Accurate diagnosis of labral tears is crucial for effective treatment planning and patient outcomes.
- Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) is commonly used, but its diagnostic performance for labral tears can be variable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic performance of combined radiographs and physical examination findings against magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) alone for diagnosing labral tears in FAIS patients.
- To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic validity of different diagnostic modalities.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparative case series included 224 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS.
- Data included pre-operative MRA, radiographs, and physical exam findings (flexion, abduction, external rotation; flexion, adduction, internal rotation; resisted straight leg raise).
- Labral tear presence was confirmed via intra-articular video recordings during arthroscopy.
Main Results:
- Physical examination findings alone demonstrated high diagnostic performance (94% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 0.879 validity).
- Combined radiographs and physical exams showed 76% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 0.879 validity.
- Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) had 67% sensitivity, 83% specificity, and 0.751 validity in detecting labral tears.
Conclusions:
- Concurrently positive physical exam tests (flexion, abduction, external rotation; flexion, adduction, internal rotation; resisted straight leg raise) offer superior sensitivity and diagnostic validity for labral tear diagnosis compared to MRA in FAIS patients.
- Physical examinations can be relied upon as a primary diagnostic tool for labral tears in candidates for hip arthroscopy.
- MRA may serve as a secondary tool for evaluating other intra- or extra-articular hip pathologies when surgical intervention is considered.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
3.3K
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
3.3K
01:18Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
3.0K
Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
3.0K
01:23Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
4.6K
Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
4.6K