The Importance of X-Rays in Diagnosing Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, diagnosing DDH can be challenging, especially when relying solely on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. In fact, studies have shown that over 4 out of 10 individuals with DDH will be missed if only AP radiographs are used.

Fortunately, the addition of a false-profile (FP) view radiograph to the diagnostic process can significantly improve the accuracy of DDH diagnosis. A recent study published in 'hips normal xray' found that the FP view radiograph has a strong additional value in diagnosing DDH.

The study, which analyzed data from a nationwide prospective cohort study, used semi-automatic measurements of the Wiberg-lateral center edge angle (W-LCEA) and Wiberg-anterior center edge angle (W-ACEA) to quantify DDH on both AP pelvic and FP hip radiographs. The results showed that there was a mean difference of 9.4° between the W-LCEA and W-ACEA in hips with DDH.

Furthermore, the study found that the correlation between the W-LCEA and W-ACEA was significant, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.547 (95% confidence interval: 0.503–0.591) for all included hips and 0.441 (95% confidence interval: 0.231–0.652) for hips with DDH.

One of the key findings of the study was that 32 out of 74 hips with DDH were only present on the FP view radiograph, highlighting the importance of including this view in the diagnostic process. In total, 720 participants (1391 hips) were included in the study, and a threshold of <20° was used to determine DDH for both the W-LCEA and W-ACEA.

In conclusion, the study demonstrates the value of incorporating FP view radiographs into the diagnostic process for DDH. By including this view, healthcare professionals can improve their ability to diagnose DDH and provide more accurate treatment recommendations for patients affected by this condition.

Hips normal xray