Abstract
We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiographs of 82 children who presented within 12 months of their birth, with unilateral dislocated/subluxed hips and required treatment in from of traction, closed/open reduction, pelvic osteotomy and maintenance. The purpose of the study was to assess if HE angle could be utilized as a prognostic indicator fro assessing reduction of the affected hip. Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle was measured by two observers for the normal as well as the abnormal side and differences noted. The measurements of the primary presentation and follow-up films were then correlated. Two groups of patients emerged, those in who the difference between the normal and abnormal hips was less than 10 degrees and those in whom was greater than or equal to 10 degrees, on initial presentation. Their management transpired to be quite different (p=0.000), with open reduction/pelvic osteotomy being required in all cases in the latter group.
The abstracts were prepared by Raymond Moran. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Irish Orthopaedic Assocation, c/o Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland.
