Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all diplegic and quadriplegic patients with unilateral hip displacement treated with either bilateral or unilateral hip reconstructive surgery. Radiographic parameters [migration percentage (MP), pelvic obliquity angle (POA) and migration percentage difference (MPD)] and changes in functional ability (sitting, standing and walking) were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Failure was defined as post-operative MP>40%, POA>5° and MPD>30%.

Results: Eighteen patients had unilateral hip reconstruction and 42 patients had bilateral hip reconstruction. Mean age of 87 months and 90 months and means follow-up of 38 months and 40 months respectively. Post-operative MP was significant in both groups. However, of 18 patients in unilateral hip reconstruction group, 33.3% of patients had contralateral hip subluxation and 22.2% of patients had hip failure on the operated hip; compared to only one of 42 patients had hip failure and no contralateral hip problem in the other group. For assessment of pelvic symmetry, MPD was significantly improved in both group but POA was only significant in bilateral group. Overall functional improvement was significant in patients with bilateral hip reconstruction compared to unilateral group.

METHODS: The study included 590 hips of 295 OI patients, who were older than 5 years, and did not have a pelvic fracture. The incidence of a deformed acetabulum (center-edge angle >40 degrees) and its correlation with disease severity were investigated. In 40 hips for which 3D-CT was available, 3-dimensional morphology of the acetabular deformity was analyzed to delineate PPAD. On plain radiographs, PPAD-related signs were determined, focusing on the contour of ilioischial line, iliopectineal line, acetabular line, and their relationship. These radiographic signs were also evaluated in the remaining hips with deformed acetabula that did not have 3D-CT.

RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three hips of 590 hips (21%) showed deformed acetabula. The incidence of deformed acetabula was significantly associated with disease severity (P<0.001). Three-dimensional analysis showed that 10 hips had protrusio acetabuli, whereas 17 had PPAD, which showed that the hemipelvis was crumpled, the acetabular roof was rotated upwardly and medially, and the hip center migrated superiorly, uncovering the anterior femoral head. Among the PPAD-related signs, superomedial bulging of the iliopectineal line was the most predictive radiographic sign (73% sensitivity and 100% specificity). This sign was also observed in almost one third of deformed acetabula of those investigated only with plain radiographs.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that acetabular deformity is common in OI patients and is associated with disease severity. A substantial number of hips showed PPAD, which may not cause femoroacetabular impingement but result in anterior uncovering of the hip joint. Superomedial bulging of the iliopectineal line suggests this pattern of acetabular deformity.