Acetabular dysplasia in the Sami population: a population study among Sami in north Norway
Johnsen K, Goll R, Reikerås O

 

ABSTRACT [full text] [back to issue 67(1)]

Objectives. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the acetabular coverage of the femoral head as measured by the centre-edge (CE) angle of Wiberg and to evaluate any association between low back pain and hip dysplasia in a Sami-dominated area (the municipalities of Karasjok and Kautokeino) in north Norway.

Study design. A cross-sectional population-based study, which included questionnaires and a radiographic examination of the hips.

Methods. A total of 1,723 individuals were invited to participate in a general health survey. Of these, 78.2% attended the screening and filled out a questionnaire that included questions about ethnicity and symptoms of back problems; 836 participants returned the questionnaire. Back problems were reported by 2 10 participants, the rest had no complaints. All 2 10 participants with back problems and a random sample of 2 06 with no back pain were invited for a radiographic
examination, 75% and 76%, respectively, showed up for the examination.

Results. The centre-edge (CE) angle of Wiberg was found to be 2 8 (+/-7) and 2 7 (+/-7) degrees for the left and right hip, respectively. Our results showed that 17% of the Sami had definite dysplasia, 2 1% had light dysplasia and 62% had normal hip joints. Thus, 3 8% of the Sami had more or less dysplastic hips. The oldest participants had a significantly smaller CE-angle than the younger ones. However, no associations were found between acetabular dysplasia and back complaints.

Conclusions. A high prevalence of hip dysplasia was found in this Sami-dominant area. No significant association could be found between low back pain and dysplasia.
(Int J Circumpolar Health 2008; 67(1):147-153)

Keywords: population-based study, ethnicity, Sami, indigenous, hip joint, dysplasia, CE-angle