Substantiation of the method for determining the clinical and radiographic parameters of the hip joint in patients with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background. The difficulties of diagnosis that arise when choosing therapeutic measures aimed at preventing sublu-xation, dislocation, and contractures of the hip joint in patients with cerebral palsy are a topical object of the research. The purpose was to improve the results of the diagnosis of the hip joint pathology by establishing objective radiographic parameters. Materials and methods. The total number of patients was 20 (40 joints), 10 boys and 10 girls aged 3 to 15 years. Sixteen joints were operated. Radiographically, we have determined neck-shaft angle and torsion of the thigh, projection and true according to Koval (using tables), acetabular angle, angle of inclination (Sharpe’s angle). Hip torsion was determined clinically according to Ruwe. Torsion was evaluated intraoperatively in our own way (patent No. a200512793). All patients were examined using our method (patent No. 137567). Results. Using the Student’s t-test for independent samples, the parameters of the hip joints were compared and significant differences were found between the neck-shaft angle in the standard position and the neck-shaft angle in our own position (p < 0.05), as well as between the neck-shaft angle in the standard position and the neck-shaft angle true according to Koval (p < 0.05). According to Fisher’s test, it was found that the torsion according to Ruwe and the torsion according to Koval are significantly different (p < 0.05): Femp 1.87 > Fkr 1.7. Using the method of odds ratio (OR), we determined that the sensitivity of torsion measurement by Ruwe was 0.7, the specificity of torsion measurement by Ruwe was 0.83 (OR = 11.67, confidence interval [1.94–70.18]) indicating that the chance of getting a coincidence by measuring torsion by Ruwe is 11.67 times higher than accor-ding to Koval, compared with intraoperative data. A well-defined amount of torsion of the thigh according to Ruwe provides true indicators of the hip joint using our own method. Conclusions. The own method provides the determination of objective clinical and radiographic (diagnostic) parameters in patients with patho-logy of the hip joint. When performing one roentgenogram, it is possible to define all basic parameters of the hip joint (torsion of the hip, neck-shaft angle, Wiberg’s angle, Reimers’ index, index of vertical migration, acetabular angle, angle of inclination) and to standardize examinations of patients with cerebral palsy who are subject to screening throughout the whole period of their development. In this way, you can get radiographic indicators of patients with severe neuromuscular disorders (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III and IV).