Measuring 3D growth plate shape: Methodology and application to cam morphology

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Current two-dimensional (2D) methods for assessing cam morphology-related physeal changes are limited by view-dependent definitions.
• Accurate measurement of femoral neck axis and head center is crucial for understanding growth plate morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate novel three-dimensional (3D) methods for analyzing continuous growth plate shape.
• To assess growth plate position and curvature in adolescents at risk for cam morphology and compare them with healthy peers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to develop 3D methods for growth plate shape analysis.
• Defined femoral neck axis and head center independent of radiographic view, enabling surface-wide analysis using statistical parametric mapping.
• Measured growth plate position and curvature in males aged 9-16 years.

Main Results:

• The 3D method allows for separate analysis of growth plate position and curvature.
• Age-related differences in growth plate shape were observed in recreationally active adolescents.
• No significant differences in growth plate shape were detected between adolescents at risk for cam morphology and their recreationally active peers.

Conclusions:

• Developed novel, view-independent 3D imaging techniques for detailed growth plate analysis.
• These methods provide a more accurate assessment of hip morphology related to cam morphology.
• Further research is needed to understand the etiology of cam morphology despite similar growth plate shapes.