Acetabular teardrop: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview
Acetabular teardrop is a teardrop-shaped shadow seen on a standard front-view (AP) pelvis X-ray. It is a radiographic landmark, meaning it is a feature created by overlapping bone contours on imaging. Clinicians use it as a reference point when assessing hip anatomy, alignment, and certain hip conditions. It is commonly discussed in orthopedic imaging, trauma evaluations, hip dysplasia workups, and hip replacement planning.