Evaluation of the usefulness of the EOS 2D/3D system for the measurement of lower limbs anatomical and biomechanical parameters in children

Introduction: Lower limbs anatomical and biomechanical parameters are essential in several paediatric orthopaedic disease, which makes their exact measurement necessary. Aim: The aim of the author was to evaluate the reliability of the EOS 2D/3D System, a 3D reconstruction capable imaging device in children. Method: 3D reconstructions were performed in 523 cases aged between 2 and 16 years in whom no abnormality influencing lower limbs biomechanics was observed. For statistical analysis intraclass correlation, paired-samples t-test, Spearman-correlation and Welch-test were used. Results: Excellent results were found for all parameters in reliability test used by the operator. The step-forward position used during the examination influenced the sagittal tibiofemoral angle only. All examined parameters showed significant correlation with age and gender. Height correlated with neck-shaft angle, hip-knee shift, femoral and tibial torsion only. Conclusions: The EOS technology proved to be an appropriate method to measure lower limbs anatomical parameters in children. Changes in these parameters during development correlated with age and gender.