Abstract
We have assessed the consistency of measurement of femoral head circumference using
3 standard measuring instruments used in hemiarthroplasty of the hip. Fifty femoral
heads were independently sized by ten independent observers using a caliper, a half
circular measuring template, each allowing measurement to the nearest millimeter.
We found significantly greater variance of the results using the half-circular templates
(p=0.001) and the calipers (p=0.011) compared with the full circular measuring templates. Measurement with calipers
underestimated femoral head size by 0.72 mm compared with full circular measuring
templates (p=0.02).
Insertion of an undersized hemiarthroplasty head is a cause of increased point loading
of the acetabulum and may result in increased rates of acetabular erosion. The use
of full circular measurement templates is recommended as the most consistent method
for head sizing in hemiarthroplasty of the hip.
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 9,
1999
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
