Variability of Radiographic Measurements of Bowleg deformity in Children - A new method for Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Angle (MDA) -

Purpose : We investigate a new measurement method for bowleg deformity in children to reduce intra-observer and inter-observer error and to assess change in the angles measured with respect to the rotation of the lower leg. Material and Method: Fifty-one children younger than 3 years old with bow leg were analyzed. To assess the intra-observer and interobserver error of the Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Angle, Intermetaphyseal-metaphyseal angle and Tibio-Femoral angle measurements, supine view antero-posterior radiographs of the lower legs were taken at the neutral rotation, at and at internal rotation positions. Also, the effect of the rotation of lower legs upon the measured angle was assessed by comparing and analyzing the angle values with respect to rotations of the lower leg. esults : TInter-observer error showed statistically significant difference (p