Reliability of Two-Dimensional Computed Tomography for Measuring Hip Anatomy

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the reliability (inter- and intra-observer variability) of 4 hip anatomies using 2-dimensional pelvic computed tomography (CT). Methods. Two-dimensional pelvic CT of 10 men and 10 women aged 33 to 89 (mean, 69) years presenting with non-orthopaedic conditions within one month were evaluated by 3 observers. The centre-edge angle of Wiberg, the Sharp angle, the acetabular depth ratio of Murray, and the acetabular anteversion angle of every hip were measured by each observer. After 6 weeks, these measurements were repeated. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), which represents the variation between patients as a percentage of the variation from all 3 sources (patients, inter-observers, and intra-observers). The ICC was classified as poor (<0.20), fair (0.21–0.40), moderate (0.41–0.60), substantial (0.61–0.80), and excellent (0.81–1.00). Results. Reliability was substantial for the Sharp angle (ICC=0.74), the acetabular anteversion angle (ICC=0.69), and the acetabular depth ratio of Murray (ICC=0.62), and was fair for the centre-edge angle of Wiberg (ICC=0.40). Conclusion. The Sharp angle, the acetabular anteversion angle, and the acetabular depth ratio of Murray could be reliably measured using 2-dimensional CT. These measurements are appropriate for population-based studies of hip anatomy.