Background:Ultrasonography is accepted as a useful imaging modality in the early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Early detection and early treatment of DDH prevents hip dislocation and related physical, social, economic, and psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of ultrasonographic and roentgenographic measurements measured by seven different observers.Materials and Methods:The alpha angles of 66 hips in 33 patients were measured using the Graf method by seven different observers. Acetabular index degrees on plane roentgenograms were measured in order to assess the correlation between the ultrasonographic alpha angle and the radiographic acetabular index, which both show the bony acetabular depth, retrospectively.Results:The interclass correlation coefficient, measuring the interobserver reliability, was high and statistically significant for the ultrasonographic measurements. There was a negative correlation between the alpha angle and the acetabular index.Conclusions:Ultrasonography, when applied properly, is a reliable technique between different observers, in the diagnosis and follow up of DDH. When assessed concomitantly with the roentgenographic measurements, the results are reliable and statistically meaningful.

The sagittal alignment of the CS in adult IS is less lordotic than the normal average while less kyphotic than that of IS of a younger age. It correlates with age, thoracic kyphosis and some global sagittal alignment parameters. These findings suggest that CS alignment is likely a component of the global sagittal alignment strongly affected by thoracic kyphosis, and most probably does not affect HRQOL by itself.

Osteotomies were moderately effective in radiological improvement but resulted in a significant increase in HRQOL. They were associated with a high rate of complications but these had no/minimal effect on the clinical outcome. Contrary to the general perception, the greatest improvements in HRQOL were seen to take place during the first 6 months after surgery, even in the presence of complications.

Surgical outcomes of DLSS depend on multiple variables. It is not possible to predict the outcomes by assessing only one parameter. The possible outcomes should be analyzed by considering all the factors individually.

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