Purpose or Case Report: Current radiological parameters for evaluating the growing hip, including the acetabular angle (AC), centre-edge angle (CE), and Reimer’s migration index (MI), are based on data from a small, decades-old patient cohort. This study aims to determine whether these parameters remain valid by analysing pelvic radiographs from a more contemporary and larger population.
Methods & Materials: Pelvic radiographs from 3,786 patients aged 0 to 18 years, taken between 2006 and 2018, were reviewed. Of these, 1,774 radiographs (666 females, 1,108 males) were eligible for analysis. Hip-specific parameters were measured using the image analysis platform "Supervisely", and data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics.
Results: The mean age of female patients was 9.11 years, and for males, 9.28 years. Both the AC and CE angles across age groups were consistent with existing data, confirming their physiological validity. Reimer’s migration index exceeded the physiological norm in two age groups (15-15.99 and 16-16.99 years) by 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
Conclusions: This study supports the continued clinical use of the AC and CE angles as valid parameters for assessing the growing hip. While MI showed a minor elevation in two age groups, further research is needed to confirm its significance. Overall, the migration index remains a relevant and useful parameter.