CORRELATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ARTHROGRAMS AND SURGICAL FINDINGS IN CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP

The arthrogram plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), because congrous reduction has been related with hip outcome. We have reviewed 29 children young er than 1 year of age (34 hips) diagnosed and treated in our hospital for CDH, and we have recorded three radiologic parameters: acetabular index, acetabular floor thickness, and grade of dislocation. We also h ave evaluated three surgical and arthrogram findings (limbus, ligament um teres, and transverse ligament) in order to study their statistical correlation, and consequently, to evaluate arthrogram usefulness. Res ults show a significantly high acetabular index and floor thickness as secondary to absence of femoral head. The arthrogram is useful in eva luating limbus and ligamentum teres, and must be performed before clos ed or open reduction.