Comparison of Valgus Correction Angle between Patients with Developmental Dysplasia Hip and Normal Volunteers Measured by Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and X-Ray

Abstract

Background and purpose. A new method of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology was used to take place of X-ray in measuring valgus correction angle (VCA) of both DDH patients and normal volunteers to improve precision. Two different ways to define VCA according to the various conditions of patients were compared and analyzed. Methods. Bilateral VCA of 50 DDH patients and 56 normal volunteers were measured by Mimics software in the 3D method and X-ray in 2D. Two VCA (the upper VCA and the lower VCA) were measured in both two methods. Every VCA was measured by observer A and observer B for twice separately. The statistical analyses of the differences were calculated among the measurements of the VCA. Results. The mean value of the upper VCA measured in 3D was 4.95°±0.76° in DDH group and 5.56°±0.62° in the normal group with significant difference (t=−6.457, p<0.01). The VCA of DDH group and normal group measured by 3D was larger than 2D, both the upper VCA and the lower VCA. The differences indicated statistically significant. The mean value of lower VCA was 0.60° smaller than the mean value of upper VCA in normal volunteers. The mean value of the lower VCA was 0.58° larger than the mean value of the upper VCA in DDH patients. Conclusions. Compared to X-ray, 3D reconstruction technology is more accurate without conventional limitations. The lower VCA of DDH patients should be regarded as the femoral intramedullary guide angle in TKA, especially for patients with femoral deformities.