Modified Center-Edge Angle in Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly. This can lead to pain and problems later in life. The standard way to measure hip development, the center-edge (CE) angle, isn't reliable in young children. This study proposes a modified CE angle (MCE) that can be used in children younger than four years old. The MCE uses a different point of reference on the X-ray image, the midpoint of the proximal epiphyseal growth plate of the femur, which can be more easily identified. The study found that the MCE angle is comparable to the standard CE angle in older children. The authors recommend specific cut-off values for the MCE angle to help diagnose DDH in different age groups: >15 degrees for children under 4, >20 degrees for children under 8, and >25 degrees for children 8 and older.

• 1
  The modified CE angle (MCE) exhibited high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to the standard CE angle, for children under and over four years old.
• 2
  The study recommends specific cut-off values for the MCE angle to diagnose DDH: >15 degrees for children under 4, >20 degrees for children under 8, and >25 degrees for children 8 and older.
• 3
  The reliability of the MCE angle diminishes around the age of nine due to the curvature of the growth plate, which complicates accurate measurement.