Clinical graphics allows creation of three dimensional simulation based on CT or MRI that allows pre-operative planning. The software reports several hip morphological parameters routinely. Our aim was to validate the measurements of acetabular morphological parameters using CT based clinical graphics in patients presenting with symptomatic hip pain.

We reviewed standardised plain radiographs, CT scans and 3D clinical graphics outputs of 42 consecutive hips in 40 patients presenting with symptomatic hip pain. Acetabular index (AI), lateral centre edge angle (LCE), acetabular and femoral version measurements were analysed for the 3D clinical graphics with radiographs and CT as gold standard.

Significant differences were noted in measurements of AI, LCE, acetabular version and femoral version using the 3D motion analysis versus conventional measures, with only acetabular version showing comparable measurements. Correlation between 3D clinical graphics and conventional measures of acetabular morphology (AI, LCE) showed only slight agreement (ICC <0.4); while substantial agreement was noted for acetabular and femoral version (IC > 0.5).

Acetabular morphological parameters measured by 3D clinical graphics are not reliable or validated. While clinicians may pursue the use of 3D clinical graphics for preoperative non-invasive planning, caution should be exercised when interpreting the reports of hip morphological parameters such as AI and LCE.