Cranial acetabular retroversion is common in developmental dysplasia of the hip as assessed by the weight bearing position

Abstract

Background and purpose The appearance of acetabular version differs between the supine and weight bearing positions in developmental dysplasia of the hip. Weight bearing radiographic evaluation has been recommended to ensure the best coherence between symptoms, functional appearance, and hip deformities. Previous prevalence estimates of acetabular retroversion in dysplastic hips have been established in radiographs recorded with the patient supine and with inclusion only if pelvic tilt met standardized criteria. We assessed the prevalence and the extent of acetabular retroversion in dysplastic hip joints in weight bearing pelvic radiographs. Patients and methods We assessed 95 dysplastic hip joints (54 patients) in weight bearing anteroposterior pelvic radiographs, measuring the acetabular height and the distance from the acetabular roof to the point of crossing of the acetabular rims, if present. Results Acetabular retroversion was found in 31 of 95 dysplastic hip joints. In 28 of 31 hip joints with retroversion, crossover of the acetabular rims was positioned within the cranial 30% sector. The degree of pelvic tilt differed between retroverted and non-retroverted dysplastic hip joints, though only reaching a statistically significant level in male dysplastic hip joints. Interpretation We identified cranial acetabular retroversion in one-third of dysplastic hip joints when assessed on weight bearing pelvic radiographs. If assessed on pelvic radiographs obtained with the patient supine, and with inclusion only if the degree of pelvic tilt meets standardized criteria, the prevalence of acetabular retroversion may be underestimated.