The purpose of this study was to compare the acetabular version between male and female pelvises. We hypothesized that female acetabula would demonstrate more retroversion because Pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is associated with acetabular retroversion, which is more commonly observed in females. 120 bony pelvic specimens were randomly collected. The version was measured at three different axial sections of each acetabuli: cranial, central, and caudal. Males demonstrated significantly less anteversion than females in every section. The global version (the average of all three measurements) was also significantly different between males and females (16°±7° and 19°±8° respectively, p<0.001). Of the 240 examined acetabuli, 21 demonstrated cranial retroversion (16 males & 5 females). The data showed no significant difference (p=0.353) between global version of African Americans (18°±9°) and Caucasians (17°±7°). The results of this study suggest that symptomatic FAI in the female population likely reflects a complex interplay of femoral and acetabular dysmorphology and cannot be explained by differences in acetabular version alone.

Background:Labral tears often occur in the same quadrant of the acetabulum at a small depression previously referred to as the psoas valley. Understanding the anatomic variations of this depression could help us understand the etiology of labral tears.Purpose:To describe the location and dimensions of the depression located in the anterosuperior acetabular rim. The hypothesis was that the location of this depression would be consistent with the common location of acetabular labral tears described in the literature.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:A total of 240 pelvic specimens were divided into 2 groups (n = 120 for each) according to age (younger age group: 21.36 ± 3.12 years [range, 14-24 years]; older age group: 42.30 ± 10.27 years, [range, 25-60 years]).Specimens were also categorized based on sex (mean age: 31.93 ± 12.31 years [male]; 32.08 ± 13.66 years [female]) and race (mean age: 31.45 ± 13.16 years [black]; 32.57 ± 12.82 years [white]). The depth and width of the acetabular depression were measured using a digital caliper, and the location was measured using a goniometer.Results:The psoas valley was observed in every specimen and was located in the anterosuperior quadrant of the acetabulum. Its depth was significantly greater (P < .001) in males (5.35 ± 1.60 mm) than in females (3.95 ± 1.31 mm). The width of the psoas valley was also greater (P < .001) in males (29.39 ± 3.98 mm) than in females (24.49 ± 4.80 mm). There were no differences in size or location of the depression between races or age groups. The psoas valley was located between 3.92 ± 0.42 o’clock anteriorly and 2.12 ± 0.77 o’clock posteriorly.Conclusion:The differences observed in the study data are believed to be a result of the different anatomic morphologies of the pelvis in males and females. This loss of bony support, caused by the depression, could be the underlying cause of weakening of the acetabular labrum as people age.Clinical Relevance:The loss of bony support in the anterosuperior acetabular depression could contribute to the labral tears that commonly occur in this area. Understanding the normal anatomy of this area could be important in determining the risk of labral tears as well as treatment options.

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BackgroundThough once considered an integral part of professional hockey, fighting carries significant health risks to players. Fighting has remained legal in the National Hockey League (NHL) due to its purported economic and entertainment value. However, fights per game have diminished over the past 20 years, challenging the necessity of fighting to promote fan attendance.HypothesisDespite decreasing fighting rates, attendance has been stable and is negatively associated with fights per game.MethodsTwo public databases were reviewed to determine attendance, fighting majors, goals scored, and games played for each NHL team from 2000 to 2020 and averaged on a per game basis. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate relationships between attendance and fights, attendance and goals, as well as goals and fights.ResultsFights per game decreased from a peak of 0.64 in 2002 to a low of 0.18 in 2020, while average attendance increased from a low of 16,549 in 2004 to a peak of 17,768 in 2013, before settling between 17,400 and 17,500 during the final three seasons of the study period. A significant negative correlation was found between attendance and fights per game (R = −0.6617, p = 0.0020). There was a positive, but not significant correlation between attendance and goals per game (R = 0.2457, p = 0.3105). A significant inverse correlation existed between goals per game and fights per game (R = −0.521, p = 0.0222).ConclusionsNHL fighting rates have diminished during the past two decades, while fan attendance has increased. A significant negative correlation exists between fan attendance and fights per game, casting doubt on fighting's entertainment value. Meanwhile, a significant inverse correlation was noted between goals per game and fights per game. Taken together, these findings suggest fans may prefer higher scoring and less violent competitions. We conclude by suggesting that prohibiting fights in the NHL could improve player safety without negatively impacting fan attendance.

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