Two-dimensional and three-dimensional CT analysis of congenital hip dysplasia in the older child and adult

In the older child or adult with congenital dysplasia of the hip, a spectrum of developmental abnormalities of the femoral head, neck, and acetabulum produce progressive hip dysfunction, pain, and premature arthritis. Treatment is oriented to restoring normal and pain-free function, although (unlike the infant with successfully treated dislocation) a truly normal hip cannot be restored. For these patients, who may require extensive reconstruction, transaxial CT with both static 2D (coronal and sagittal) and animated volumetric 3D image reformatting offers the most complete, accurate, and integrated approach to diagnosis and therapeutic planning. Parameters preoperatively assessed include head subluxation, neck anteversion, quadrilateral plate thickness, degree of dysplasia, potential for concentric reduction, acetabular capacity, and muscle status. Postoperatively, both immediate and long-term results or complications are easily assessed and readily compared