Abstract
An: 2013, Nr.2, Articol Nr. 4
Title: 
APPLICATION OF THE „L VALUE” AND OF THE GRAF ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION OF THE HIP JOINT IN PRE AND POSTNATAL LIFE
Authors: 
Beáta Baróti, M. Buruian - University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Târgu Mureş, Department of Radiology and Imaging
Pánti Zsombor - University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Târgu Mureş, student, GM 6th year
Zsuzsanna Pap, Dénes Lóránd, Z. Pávai - University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Târgu Mureş, Department of Anatomy and Embryology
APPLICATION OF THE „L VALUE”AND OF THE GRAF ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION OF THE HIP JOINT IN PRE AND POSTNATAL LIFE (Abstract): Introduction: Ultrasound imaging is the main method for the early screening of the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. Among the various ultrasound imaging methods, the most widespread is the one developed by Graf et al. in 1980, whereas the newest is the “L value”, published by Rakovac et al. in 2011. Our aim was to apply these two ultrasonographic methods to the interpretation of the hip joint in pre and postnatal life. Material and method: 25 post mortem fetal and 40 infant hip joints were analised trough the aformentioned ultrasonographic methods. The fetuses were obtained from the Anatomy and Embryology Department, while the ultrasound images of infants from the Radiology and Imagistics Department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Târgu–Mureş. First, we measured the a angle with the Graf method, then the L value with the Rakovac method. Results: In the prenatal life the a angle showed a decrease, while the L value an increase. In the postnatal life the a angle decreased, whereas the L value increased. Discussion: Within the Graf method a b angle can be found near the a angle, thus facilitating the determination of the cartilage roof and giving a more detailed image of the hip joint.The L value determines only the acetabular inclination. Conclusion:The a angle and L value can be also applied for the determination of the acetabular inclination. Both methods showed a decrease in the stability of the hip joint during intrauterine development and an increase during the postnatal period.
Key words: HIP JOINT, DEVELOPMENT, SCREENING.