We evaluated femoral anteversion preoperatively in fifty-nine patients
(ninety-one hips), using a clinical method that we developed, Magilligan
radiographs, and computed tomographic scans. These measurements were then
compared with values for anteversion that were obtained intraoperatively.
To determine femoral anteversion clinically, the patient was placed in the
prone position and the maximum lateral trochanteric prominence was related
to the degree of internal rotation of the hip. Compared with computed
tomographic scanning and Magilligan radiographic determination, the
clinically determined anteversion correlated most closely (to within 4
degrees) with the amount measured at the time of the operation. The
clinical method was found to be superior to radiographic techniques for
determination of the degree of femoral anteversion in children who have not
had a previous operation about the hip.