Guide to lower extremity radiologic measurements: part 1 hip

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hip pain diagnosis can be challenging, especially with subtle radiographic findings in conditions like acetabular dysplasia or post-arthroplasty.
• Increasingly sophisticated hip preservation and joint replacement surgeries necessitate precise quantitative imaging assessments.
• Variations in measurement techniques across institutions can lead to unfamiliarity among musculoskeletal radiologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive guide to common hip measurements used in hip preservation and replacement surgery.
• To standardize understanding of measurement techniques, appropriate imaging modalities, and normal values.
• To aid clinicians in diagnosing subtle hip abnormalities and guiding treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature to identify common hip measurements.
• Description of proper imaging views and measurement techniques for each parameter.
• Compilation of established normal values and discussion of implications for abnormal findings.

Main Results:

• Detailed explanation of frequently used clinical measurements for hip preservation and replacement.
• Brief descriptions of less common or research-oriented measurements with imaging examples.
• Categorization of measurements by anatomy and pathology for clarity.

Conclusions:

• Standardized quantitative assessment of hip imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
• This article serves as a foundational resource for understanding key hip measurements.
• Consistent application of these measurements can improve patient outcomes in hip surgery.