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Radiographic parameters of the hip joint from birth to adolescence

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Abstract

Background

Various qualitative and quantitative radiological geometrical parameters can be of great help when assessing dysplasia of the hip joint and in understanding developmental processes of the infant hip. There are few data on the normal values of the hip joint at different ages.

Objective

To perform radiographic measurements on hip joints considered to be anatomically normal and to provide data for each age group, thus describing features of the radiographic development of the hip.

Materials and methods

Radiographs were examined from 355 children (age 0–16 years) undergoing examination for scoliosis (long film), urography or plain abdominal radiography. Qualitative and quantitative signs were observed and measured, focusing on the Hilgenreiner, Wiberg and Idelberger angles and the decentric distance.

Results

Before the age of 9 years measurable data from neighbouring age groups differed significantly, indicating typical radiological changes of the joint. For the same age range, qualitative changes could also be observed. After 9 years of age, radiological development of the normal hip joint during childhood is much slower.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, University of Pécs, Medical Faculty, 7643 Pécs, Ifjúság útja 13, Hungary

    Péter Than, János Kránicz & Árpád Bellyei

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Szt György County Hospital, Székesfehérvár, Hungary

    Tamás Sillinger

Authors
  1. Péter Than
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  2. Tamás Sillinger
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  3. János Kránicz
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  4. Árpád Bellyei
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Correspondence to Péter Than.

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Than, P., Sillinger, T., Kránicz, J. et al. Radiographic parameters of the hip joint from birth to adolescence. Pediatr Radiol 34, 237–244 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1119-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1119-y

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