We developed and assessed a measuring device for intraoperative assessment of the acetabular index and center edge angle during
acetabular reorientation in periacetabular osteotomy. We asked whether reliable assessment of angles could be made using the
device; to be reliable we presumed the variability of angle measurements should not exceed that of inherent variability when
assessing angles on radiographs (± 5°). The device was mounted bilaterally on the pelvis, and using fluoroscopy, angle measurements
were obtained with adjustable measuring discs. We conducted a cadaver study to assess intraobserver and interobserver variability
of the device and to assess if pelvic positioning influenced variation of measurements. Intraoperative measurements of 35
consecutive patients were compared with measurements on postoperative radiographs. Intraoperatively obtained angle measurements
differed less than ± 5° from measurements on postoperative radiographs and the intraobserver and interobserver variability
of the device were confined within ± 5°. Positioning did not influence the variation of angle measurements beyond intraobserver
variability of the device when applying arcs of tilt and rotation of ± 12.5°. We believe the device is a potentially helpful
tool in the periacetabular osteotomy. It is simple to use and facilitates repeated reliable angle measurements during acetabular
reorientation, making intraoperative radiographs unnecessary.
One or more of the authors (AT) have received funding from a grant from the Danish Rheumatism Association during conduction
of this study.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.