The Central Hip Vertical Axis

Abstract

The CHVA is more reproducible and showed better intra- and interobserver agreement, when compared with the CSVL for the identification of the lumbar modifier. The CHVA can be easily computed in 3D and represents the physiologic center of balance of the spino-pelvic unit because it takes into account femoral head support. We recommend keeping the CSVL for 2-dimensional measurement to adapt the measures relative to the CSVL to the proposed CHVA axis and adopting CHVA as the reference axis for 3D evaluation of idiopathic scoliosis.