Analysis of Proximal Femoral Parameters in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Background. Assessment of the proximal femoral parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using three-dimensional radiological image reconstructions may allow better characterization than conventional techniques. Methods. EOS 3D reconstructions of spines and femurs of 320 scoliotic patients (10-18 years old) and 350 control children lacking spinal abnormality were performed and 6 proximal femoral parameters measured. Results. Individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis showed a small but statistically significant decrease in neck shaft angle (average difference=2.58°) and a higher (0.22°) femoral mechanical axis–femoral shaft angle. When the two sides were compared based on curve direction, greater changes in the neck shaft angle and femoral mechanical axis–femoral shaft angle were found on the side of the convexity. Conclusions. Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were found to have a small but significantly lower neck shaft angle and higher femoral mechanical axis–femoral shaft angle, which related to the curve direction. This is postulated to be due to mechanical compensation for altered balance and centre of gravity associated with a scoliosis deformity, although the observed difference likely has negligible clinical effect.