Intra-observer and inter-observer errors in CT measurement of torsional profiles of lower limbs: a retrospective comparative study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine errors in measurement of torsional profiles (TP) (torsional femoral angle, torsional tibial angle, and femoral ankle angle) among four orthopedic surgeons, experts, and non-experts in measurement, and the learning curve.

Methods: Twenty-six lower extremities of 13 patients with spastic diplegia candidates for femoral/tibial derotational osteotomy had preoperative bilateral computer tomography (CT) scan grams to establish the TP. Each measurement was done by four orthopedic surgeons, two experienced clinicians and interpreters of CT imaging and two with limited clinical and imaging assessment experiences.

Hip range of motion in Perthes' disease: comparison of pre-operative and intra-operative values.

Background: Children with early Perthes' disease and clinical loss of motion are commonly noted to have normal or almost normal hip range of motion (ROM) when examined under anesthesia (EUA). Despite anecdotal comments about this observation, no series has documented these findings. The lack of such data led to this study.