Validity of measurement of femoral anteversion angle using FEMORA® software based on two-dimensional radiographic imaging examination femur in children with cerebral palsy in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often show an increase in femoral anteversion angle (FAA). Computed tomography (CT) scan is the main modality for evaluating FAA in these patients, however, due to significant radiation exposure, it carries a high carcinogenic risk. FEMORA® software is expected to be able to accurately assess FAA even with conventional X-ray images that only require low radiation exposure. However, its validity has not been tested in various populations or CT devices. This study aimed to validate the FEMORA® software by comparing it to CT scans done on an Indonesian population. Material and methods: All spastic CP patients of the outpatient clinic at Dr. Soetomo Hospital between March and November 2022, were included. The FEMORA® Software evaluation was performed by three examiners. The calculation results were averaged and compared with those of the CT scan. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), reliability, and correlation were be assessed. Results: There were 36 patients included in this study. Most were female (n = 22; 61,1 %) and the average age was 7,28 years old. Interobserver preoperative analysis using ICC showed good outcomes (p = 0.918; 95 % CI, 0.858–0.955). FAA measurement results using FEMORA® and CT scans were 41,71 ± 12,90 and 32,68 ± 11,85, respectively. Correlation coefficient between the two values is 0.634 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FEMORA® software demonstrates a good and significant correlation with FAA measurement using CT scan.

Keywords

• CT scan
• X-ray
• Femoral anteversion angle
• Cerebral palsy