The incidence of protrusio acetabuli in Marfan's syndrome and its relationship to bone mineral density

Twenty-one patients with Marfan's syndrome participated in a study to asses s the incidence of and radiographic measurements significant for protrusio acetabuli. Our data show that the incidence of protrusio acetabuli in Marfa n's syndrome is 31%. The most sensitive radiographic parameter to determine protrusio acetabuli is crossing of the acetabular line by the iliopectinea l line. The presence of protrusio in Marfan's syndrome was not related to t he bone mineral content of the hip and pelvis. Protrusio acetabuli in Marfa n syndrome's also did not correlate with clinical symptoms. Based on our re sults, the presence of protrusio acetabuli alone is not an indication for e arly surgical intervention.