Recognise the different radiological lines and angles that can be observedon a plain pelvic radiograph, appreciate how these can be used to aid diagnosis of hip pathology.

Pelvicradiographs are cheap to acquire and very easily accessible yet are able provide an abundanceof hip or pelvic diagnostic information if correctly interpreted. In some instances, the diagnosis is not very obviousand requires a conscious effort from the reader to analyse specific characteristics of the radiograph. These characteristics include specific bony landmarks, contour linesand angles formed by lines drawn through the landmarkson the radiograph. Distortions of these contourlines or angleshasbeen shown to bea very good predictorforparticular diagnoses. This publication gives a brief rundown of what...

Radiological landmarks, lines and angleswith explanatory notes on their importance are presented on the following: Shenton's line Fig 15. Projection Anteroposterior view (AP) Description This is an imaginary curvilinear smooth and continuous line drawn from the inferior border of the superior pubic ramus along the inferomedial border of the neck of femur. Indication Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and fractured neck of femur. Tear drop distance Fig 3 Projection AP Description The pelvic teardrop is a U-figure that results from the end-on projection of...

Conscious analysis of the above parameters on a seemingly normal radiograph can improve the pick-up rate of subtle pathology. Whilst it has been argued by some authors that radiographic numerical parameters are not always reproducible, they certainly raise the index of suspicion thereby directing and guiding further management.

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