Femoral torsion and neck-shaft angles in cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Excessive femoral and coxa valga have been reported to be major contributors leading to hip dislocation in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Femoral torsion angle (FT) and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured by the radiographic technique described by Rippstein and Müller in 157 patients with CP (289 hips). Factors associated with the degree of FT and NSA were evaluated. The researchers explored the correlation between the two angles and hip pathology. A large database of measurements was constructed. Our findings suggest that age and ambulatory status are the main factors correlated with FT and NSA.