The effect of physician experience on the measurement reliability of the Reimers’ hip migration percentage in children with cerebral palsy

[Purpose] Reimers’ hip migration percentage (MP) is commonly used to document the extent of hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, factors such as poor administration of pelvic radiographs, a lack of concentration, inexperience, or a busy clinical environment may result in variations in the MP measurements. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the MP results of two physiatrists with varying levels of experience to determine the role of experience in the measurement’s accuracy. [Subjects and Methods] This retrospective study included 62 hip radiographs of 31 children with spastic CP. Two physiatrists with different experience levels calculated the baseline MP on two occasions six weeks apart. Correlations, intra- and inter-rater reliabilities, and differences in the MPs were compared. [Results] Correlations and inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of the measurements were excellent. There were no statistically significant intra- or inter-rater differences for either of the two measurement points. Inter-rater correlations for each session were 0.94. [Conclusion] Experience does not appear to be a factor in the evaluation of MP, and inter-rater differences do not cause problems regarding patient follow-up. Therefore, repeated pelvic radiographs are not necessary in the evaluation of MP in children with CP unless indicated.