Abstract
Background
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) is complex and challenging. The Crowe and Hartofilakidis classification systems are the most commonly used. However, neither encompasses the whole spectrum of disease and deformity and therefore does not guide modern surgical options.
We present a new classification system which aims to guide surgical strategy by focusing on the three main areas of disease and deformity: Cup defect; De-rotation of femoral neck ante-version; Height of femoral subluxation. Each component is graded from 1–3 based on the severity of deformity and the potential surgical strategy required (with 3 being the most severe). A total numerical score will reflect the overall degree of difficulty which may be used when assessing surgical outcomes.
The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of this new adult CDH classification system in the setting of THA.
Study design and Methods
A sample size calculation showed 28 evaluations were required to reach a power of 85% (based on a kappa value of 0.4). The anterior-posterior pelvis and lateral hip radiographs of 30 hips, in 26 patients were evaluated by three Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons using the classification detailed in table 1. A second evaluation, with the case order randomised, was performed after a minimum period of 1month. Randolph's free multi-rater Kappa co-efficient was used to assess for inter and intra- observer reliability and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
Results
The results of the Inter and intra–observer reliability for each classification component and for each rater respectively are shown in table 2 and 3.
Conclusions
In comparison with other studies our reliability results were poorer when compared to the Hartofilakidis and Crowe classification systems. It was reported by the participants that our system enabled a more logical breakdown of the component deformities to address when performing THA in these hips.
As with the Paprosky system for revision hip arthroplasty, this X-ray classification is intended as a practical pre-op guide to planning for all eventualities. Limitations due to level of observer experience and finer intra-operative judgements may alter the final result, but the essence is to understand the anatomical pitfalls enabling appropriate surgical planning and a total score against which to judge outcomes.
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