Validation of 3-D freehand ultrasound for the determination of the hip joint centre.

This paper describes the calibration process for 3-D free hand ultrasound (3-DUS). The Cambridge calibration technique was determined to produce the most repeatable and accurate results when determining the location of a reference object within a water bath. This note additionally validates 3-DUS as a potential measurement tool for the determination of the hip joint centre. It shows that 3-DUS can accurately determine the inter-HJC distance to within 4+/-2mm. This indicates potential for 3-DUS to be used as a gold standard measurement tool in the identification of the hip joint centre. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.