A retrospective study on isolated acetabular edge blunting in infants: clinical significance and proposed follow-up protocol
BMC Pediatrics, cilt.26, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12887-026-06834-2
- Dergi Adı: BMC Pediatrics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Developmental dysplasia of the hip, Acetabular edge blunting, Ultrasound, Acetabular index, Infant hip
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Graf-based ultrasound (US) is widely used to screen for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a common orthopedic disorder, in infants. However, isolated acetabular edge blunting is occasionally reported, despite normal alpha and beta angles and adequate femoral head coverage. The clinical significance and follow-up strategies for this isolated finding remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate acetabular development in infants with isolated acetabular edge blunting and propose a rational follow-up protocol. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 5,190 reports on hip USs performed between June 2023 and July 2024. A total of 211 infants with isolated acetabular edge blunting and normal alpha-beta angles were included in this study. Demographic data, follow-up US results, and pelvic radiographs taken after 6 months were analyzed. Acetabular index (AI) angles and femoral head ossification center areas were measured and statistically compared. Results: Of 211 infants, 144 (68.2%) were female. Spontaneous normalization to Graf type 1 A was observed in 58.7% of patients on the second US and 11.4% on the third US. At 6 months, pelvic radiographs were available for 37 infants, none of whom showed DDH according to the Tönnis classification. However, 54.0% had significantly higher AI angles on the blunting side than on the contralateral side (mean difference, 3.5°; p = 0.012). No significant difference was found in the femoral head ossification center area (p = 0.712). Conclusions: Isolated acetabular edge blunting does not progress to DDH but is associated with slightly higher AI values, suggesting subtle variations in acetabular development. In follow-up protocols, a second US and follow-up with a pelvic radiograph at 6 months is sufficient instead of unnecessary repeated ultrasonography checks. Larger prospective studies are required to clarify the long-term clinical significance of these findings.