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A new methodology for the measurement of the Wiberg angle in infants under 3 months
C Milani1, A Ishida, J Laredo Filho
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Brazil.
Insights
This study introduces a new sonographic method to measure the acetabular cartilaginous roof angle in infants, aiding early hip joint abnormality detection. This technique offers a valuable tool for assessing infant hip morphology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Background:
- The Wiberg center edge angle is crucial for adult hip assessment.
- Its application in infants under 3 months is not established.
- Infant hip anatomy, particularly the cartilaginous acetabular roof, differs significantly from adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a sonographic method for measuring hip joint morphology in infants.
- To adapt the concept of the center edge angle for use in neonates and infants.
- To facilitate early detection of hip joint abnormalities in the target age group.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 400 hips from 200 infants (Graf type 1a or 1b).
- Utilized sonographic hip imaging and specialized computer software for analysis.
- Developed a novel method to determine the acetabular cartilaginous roof angle via ultrasonography.
Main Results:
- Established a sonographic technique to measure the acetabular cartilaginous roof angle in infants.
- Demonstrated that ultrasonography allows precise identification of hip joint anatomical elements.
- The software calculated an angle corresponding to the adult center edge angle.
Conclusions:
- The developed sonographic method is suitable for assessing hip joint morphology in infants under 3 months.
- This technique provides an alternative to radiography, overcoming limitations in determining the femoral head center.
- The method holds promise for the early identification of hip joint developmental issues.
Abstract:
This article describes the measurement of the Wiberg center edge angle in infants under 3 months using sonographic images of their hips. In the literature review, there was no reference of the application of this angle in this particular age group. Thus, a methodology has been developed based upon the fact that, at this age, the acetabular roof constitutes a large portion of hyaline cartilage. In this way, it was concluded that it was not possible to apply the original Wiberg method since the center of the femoral head can be only estimated and not accurately determined in plain radiography. For this present study, 400 hips of 200 infants were analyzed. All these hips were classified as type 1a or 1b, according to Graf. The sonographic images were transferred to a Pentium computer through a video Spigot interface. The images were analyzed by software specially developed for this purpose. Since ultrasonography allows the exact recognition of the anatomical elements of the hip joint in young children, software provided the acetabular cartilaginous roof angle that corresponds to the center edge angle in adults. The authors believe that this method will be helpful in the early detection of morphological alterations in the hip joint.