Multivariate linear-mixed analysis of changes in anterior inferior iliac spine impingement incidence with posterior pelvic tilt: a computer simulation study

Abstract

It is well known that increased posterior tilt of the pelvis is an effective strategy for avoiding impingement of the femur with the pelvis during movement. Daily repetitive collisions become mechanical loads, and the more frequently they occur, the more tissue damage and pain they cause. Therefore, reducing the rate of occurrence of impingement is important to avoid aggravation of symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of changes in posterior pelvic tilt on the risk of impingement between the femur and the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)/subspine in various functional postures. Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) who were candidates for hip arthroscopic osteochondroplasty between October 2013 and June 2020 were included. A three-dimensional reconstructed model was used to simulate the incidence of impingement at 12 hip positions required for activities of daily living. We predicted value of the spatial incidence of impingement assumed that hip motion should exceed 130/30 degrees without impingement. Impingement was measured at three pelvic positions: an anterior tilt of 10°, in the functional pelvic plane and a posterior tilt of 10°. Multivariate linear-mixed models were used to assess the effect of covariate-adjusted posterior pelvic tilt on the impingement incidence in the AIIS region. AIIS type, center-edge angle, acetabular version and femoral version were used as covariates. The impingement rates and locations of the three pelvic tilt postures were assessed. Seventy-eight patients (60 males and 18 females; average age, 46 ± 15.1 years) with FAIS were analyzed. A multivariate linear-mixed model revealed a coefficient of −0.8% (95% confidence interval −0.9 to −0.7%; P < 0.001) for posterior pelvic tilt. Thus, posterior pelvic tilt affects AIIS impingement incidence. After adjusting for anatomical effects, the posterior pelvic tilt should be addressed to avoid impingement.