Central Acetabular Roof Defect- More than Just a Normal Variant?

Abstract

Central acetabular defects are rare, and have been described using various terminologies (notches, fossae, pits). They are generally regarded as normal variants and often overlooked. This case series reviews five cases (age range 9-14 years) where presentation included hip pain and no alternative pathology was found. The defects tend to be bilateral but not symmetrical, and often just the side with the largest defect is symptomatic. The aetiology is unknown but there was no recollection of prior trauma. The literature suggests they are developmental in nature. The cases series highlights that these anatomical variants should not be entirely disregarded when imaging is reviewed.