ACETABULAR DYSPLASIA

TLDR

Normal acetabular angles range from 33 to 38 degrees. The study introduces a simple radiographic method to assess acetabular development and investigates the prognosis of hips with angles between 42 and 47 degrees. The method measures the acetabular angle on adult pelvis radiographs. Angles below 32° are rare and likely insignificant, 39–42° represent the upper normal limit, and 47° is observed in congenital subluxation.

Abstract

A simple method of measuring the degree of acetabular development in the radiograph of the adult pelvis is described and arguments for its validity are advanced. This measurement is referred to as the acetabular angle. The normal values for this angle are between 33 and 38 degrees. Angles below 32 degrees are uncommon and probably of no clinical significance, whereas angles from 39 to 42 degrees are in the upper limit of normality. An angle of 47 degrees is shown in a hip with congenital subluxation. The prognosis for hip joints with acetabular angles between 42 and 47 degrees is under investigation.