A new method for determining the anatomical location of the acetabulum in children with cerebral palsy

Background. Instability of the hip joints (hereinafter IHJ) in the form of subluxation and dislocation is one of the most common, and according to clinical and social consequences, the most important orthopedic complication in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Currently available methods for assessing the degree of deformation of the acetabulum in this pathology allow us to assess only its shape. At the same time, the violation of the spatial orientation of the acetabulum (SOA) within the pelvic ring in the process of destabilization of the joint remains unexplored.

The aim. Comparative assessment of the parameters of the spatial orientation of the acetabulum relative to the elements of the pelvic ring in stable and unstable hip joints in patients with CP using the method of linear indicators.

Materials and methods. A study was conducted with the participation of 30 children (60 joints) with cerebral palsy aged 9 to 15 years.  The total sample was divided into two groups – with stable (21 patients) and unstable (26 patients) joints. For the work, we used the method developed by us for determining the frequency response based on linear characteristics.

Results and conclusion. As a result of the study in the first group, a negative moderate correlation was found between all linear indicators and the Sharp angle, as well as a moderate positive correlation between all linear indicators and the acetabulum. In the second group, there is a negative moderate correlation between the linear index S1-the anterior mandible, S1-the crest of the pubic bone with the Sharp angle, as well as a moderate negative correlation of all linear pelvic indices with the Reimers migration index.