Association between SSM-defined hip shape and the development of hip osteoarthritis: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study

Purpose (the aim of the study): Hip osteoarthritis (OA), which affects one in four individuals, is associated with impaired physical function and decreased activity. Variation of hip structure may lead to cartilage damage and hip OA. While hip structure is often evaluated using simple clinical measures of cam morphology (alpha angle) and acetabular dysplasia (center edge angle), hip OA risk is likely related to a complex interaction of femoral and pelvic morphology. Statistical shape modeling is a more comprehensive approach to assessing shape than clinical measures. While recent studies use shape modeling, the majority have been cross-sectional; in contrast, longitudinal analyses are needed to evaluate shape and the development of hip OA. This study aimed to identify variations in hip shape associated with incident hip OA.