Retroversion of the acetabulum - A cause of hip pain

We describe a little-known variety of hip dysplasia, termed 'acetabular ret roversion', in which the alignment of the mouth of the acetabulum does not face the normal anterolateral direction, but inclines more posterolaterally , The condition may be part of a complex dysplasia or a single entity. Other than its retroversion, the acetabulum is sited normally on the side wall of the pelvis, and its articular surface is of normal extent and configuratio n, The retroverted orientation may give rise to problems of impingement bet ween the femoral neck and anterior acetabular edge. We define the clinical and radiological parameters and discuss pathological changes which may occur in the untreated condition. A technique of managem ent is proposed.