To swaddle, or not to swaddle? Paleoepidemiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip and the swaddling dilemma among the indigenous populations of North America

Environmental factors associated with incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Established associated factors for DDH include female sex, breech presentation, family history, congenital malformations, oligohydramnios, and maternal hyperthyroidism. However, evidence for environmental factors that may contribute to DDH is limited and inconsistent.

METHODS

A systematic review of medical literature was conducted to collect data on environmental factors, including latitude, longitude, average yearly precipitation, average yearly temperature, minimum monthly temperature, and maximum monthly temperature, from all institutions that published articles on DDH. Univariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between environmental factors and DDH incidence, while multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify significant associated factors for DDH incidence.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 93 unique manuscripts were analyzed, revealing a significant negative correlation between DDH incidence and temperature, including average yearly temperature (r = -0.27, p = 0.008), minimum monthly temperature (r = -0.28, p = 0.006), and maximum monthly temperature (r = -0.23, p = 0.029). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between DDH incidence and latitude (r = 0.27, p = 0.009), and a significant negative correlation between DDH incidence and average yearly precipitation (r = -0.29, p = 0.004). In the final multiple regression analysis, temperature, including average yearly temperature, minimum monthly temperature, and maximum monthly temperature, were identified as significant associated factors for DDH incidence.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest an association between cold weather and DDH incidence. Further research should explore the link between cold weather and DDH incidence, offering insights into potential interventions for cold climates.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of infant hips in the Pavlik harness compared to body-worn commercial baby carriers

While many factors contribute to development and subsequent correction of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) in infants, hip positioning and muscle activity play a significant role. Lower-limb restrictive extension positions, such as with swaddling, are detrimental for hip development, and some baby gear leads to reduced lower limb muscle activity. Yet how baby gear impacts hip position during wear remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the Graf's alpha angle and femoral head coverage of healthy infants and infants with mild DDH (instability) in the Pavlik harness and baby carriers. We obtained coronal hip ultrasound images of 10 healthy full-term infants (13.5 ± 3.4 weeks, 5F/5M) and three full-term mild DDH infants (8.9 ± 4.0 weeks, 2F/1M) in three conditions: Pavlik harness, wide-base baby carrier, and narrow-base baby carrier. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare Graf's alpha angles and femoral head coverages across the conditions (p < 0.05), with post hoc pairwise tests (p < 0.0167). The Graf's alpha angle in the narrow-base carrier was 6.9° lower than the Pavlik harness, while the wide-base carrier was not different. Femoral head coverage was 10%-12% lower for the narrow-base carrier. The three mild DDH infants exhibited lower Graf's alpha angles and femoral head coverage in all measurements, with the Graf's alpha angle in the narrow-base carrier measuring 49.0°. This research demonstrated that wide-base baby carriers held hips in a position that was not significantly different from the Pavlik harness, meaning that babywearing in a wide-base carrier may have benefits for healthy hip development.

Bilateral hip dysplasia in a South African male: A case study from the 17-18th century

OBJECTIVE

To identify, critically analyse and describe severe bilateral skeletal pathology involving the ossa coxae of an individual from historic era Cape Town.

MATERIALS

A single individual from the University of Cape Town's Human Skeletal Repository was analysed under research approval (HREC# 035/2021).

METHODS

An osteobiography was constructed, radiocarbon dating and isotopic analyses were conducted. Pathological description and contextualised disability analyses followed, along with differential diagnosis. The pelvis and femora were visualised macroscopically and radiographically.

RESULTS

This individual was a non-European middle-aged adult male who lived in the 17-18th centuries CE. Morphological changes showed hypoplastic hips with collapsed femoral heads and neoacetabulae. A diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH) was made. Then a contextualised disability analysis including consideration of the clinical and functional impacts of the condition were applied. No signs of maltreatment, physiological stress or persistent infections were present. His bones were well developed, illustrating mobility and use.

CONCLUSIONS

He developed DDH early in life and lived through adulthood, and his strong, healthy bones suggest resilience, some mobility and contribution to society through less physically demanding tasks.

SIGNIFICANCE

Value for palaepathological analyses to inform and understand disability and culturally significant health mediation to offer a more objective interpretation and improve understanding of past people. It expands our understanding of the presence of DDH globally and in Africa and provides insight into disease impact for individuals with bilateral expression.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Further contextual research is required.

LIMITATIONS

Poor scene recovery hindered in-depth care analysis and interpretation of the condition.

A case of septic arthritis of the hip in Central Plains, China, during the Western Han Dynasty (3rd century BCE-1st century CE)

OBJECTIVE

Septic arthritis is not commonly reported in paleopathology. This study aims to provide a differential diagnosis of septic arthritis by looking at a case from ancient China. We also aim to add to the current literature on septic arthritis in paleopathology.

MATERIALS

One adult male skeleton recovered from the Dapuzi Cemetery, Shaanxi, dating to the Western Han Dynasty (3rd century BCE-1st century CE).

METHODS

Macroscopic observations were conducted.

RESULTS

The lytic appearance and massive new bone formation on the left acetabulum of M142 are compatible with septic arthritis. The hip pathology greatly influenced his stature. The two femur shafts present different degrees of robusticity. He also showed severe osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

The individual suffered from septic arthritis of the hip, of unknown cause, for a long period, which greatly influenced his daily life. Complications included osteoarthritis, shortened stature, and difficulties in walking.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study offers a new case of septic arthritis and provides insight into the people who guarded the royal tombs in the West Han Dynasty.

LIMITATIONS

The skeleton is not well-preserved, limiting observations of bony changes to other areas of the body.

Knowledge and Practices Related to Hip-Healthy Swaddling for Newborns Among Maternity Nurses

OBJECTIVE

To assess the self-reported knowledge, education, and practices related to hip-healthy swaddling of newborns among nurses, how they teach this technique to parents, and the relationships among these factors.

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional exploratory survey.

SETTING

Academic women and children's hospital with an average of 4,500 annual births.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred four registered maternity nurses who work primarily in the maternity unit.

METHODS

At three staff meetings, we surveyed maternity nurses to determine their knowledge, education, and practices related to hip-healthy swaddling and how they teach this technique to parents. We analyzed results using descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Of the 156 nurses in the maternity unit, 104 attended three staff meetings and completed the survey. Among the participants, 18.9% (18/95; 9 participants did not respond) were unable to identify the correct hip swaddling position. Overall, 64.2% (61/95; 9 participants did not respond) reported that they received education on general swaddling technique, yet 14.8% (9/61) of these participants were unable to identify the correct hip-healthy swaddling position. Among the participants, 99.0% (103/104) reported that nurses teach parents how to swaddle infants rather than other health care providers; 12.5% (13/104) of participants responded that medical doctors provide training as well. Overall, 67.0% (69/103; 1 participant did not respond) reported that they taught parents in >75% of parent interactions.

CONCLUSION

Our results illustrate a gap in knowledge about hip-healthy swaddling among the maternity nurses who participated in this survey and a need for further education.

Ethnic and sociodemographic correlates of developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns from Yucatan, Mexico

OBJECTIVES

To provide an insight of the incidence of congenital developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns from Yucatan born between 2015 and 2019 and analyze its association with maternal sociodemographic characteristics and neonatal, pregnancy and delivery related aspects.

METHODS

Retrospective, population-based study from Birth Registries database in Yucatan, Mexico between 2015 and 2019. Presence of hip dysplasia was described and analyzed considering three aspects (I) Maternal information (II) Pregnancy and birth (III) Neonatal examination. We obtained incidence rates from each year and the complete studied period. Association between hip dysplasia and maternal, neonatal and pregnancy/delivery variables was analyzed using logistic regression, unadjusted odds ratio and an adjusted model.

RESULTS

Hip dysplasia occurred in 13 per 10 000 live births. Significant associations were found between hip dysplasia and maternal place of residence in a city <50 000 inhabitants, without a local clinic. Propensity to give birth to a neonate with hip dysplasia increased with maternal age and ethnicity, in female newborns and when total number of pregnancy consultations summed <5. Newborns with hip dysplasia were heavier and less susceptible to be delivered vaginally. Congenital developmental hip dysplasia was comparatively more frequent among offspring of Mayan women and suboptimal access to medical care during pregnancy. Female neonates were affected the most, those first-borns. Neonates with hip dysplasia were heavier and more susceptible to be born by cesarean section.

CONCLUSION

Maternal, neonatal, and perinatal factors are associated with DDH in Yucatecan infants born during 2015-2019. Factors that describe living conditions seems to have a more important effect on the presence of this condition.

Exploring infant hip position and muscle activity in common baby gear and orthopedic devices

Infant positioning in daily life may affect hip development. While neonatal animal studies indicate detrimental relationships between inactive lower extremities and hip development and dysplasia, no research has explored infant hip biomechanics experimentally. This study evaluated hip joint position and lower extremity muscle activity of healthy infants in common body positions, baby gear, and orthopedic devices used to treat hip dysplasia (the Pavlik harness and the Rhino cruiserabduction brace). Surface electromyography(EMG) and marker-based motion capture recorded lower extremity muscle activity and kinematics of 22 healthy full-term infants (4.2±1.6 months, 13M/9F) during five conditions: Pavlik harness, Rhino brace, inward-facing soft-structured baby carrier, held in arms facing inwards, and a standard car seat. Mean filtered EMG signal, time when muscles were active, and hip position (angles) were calculated. Compared to the Pavlik harness, infants exhibited similar adductor activity (but lower hamstring and gluteus maximus activity) in the Rhino abduction brace, similar adductor and gluteus maximus activity (but lower quadriceps and hamstring activity) in the baby carrier, similar but highly variable muscle activity in-arms, and significantly lower muscle activity in the car seat. Hip position was similar between the baby carrier and the Pavlik harness. This novel infant biomechanics study illustrates the potential benefits of using inward-facing soft-structured baby carriers for healthy hip development and highlights the potential negative impact of using supine-lying container-type devices such as car seats for prolonged periods of time. Further study is needed to understand the full picture of how body position impacts infant musculoskeletal development.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip in female adult individual: Site Tres Cruces I, Salta, Argentina (Superior formative period, 400-1000 AD)

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a developmental defect that prevents normal articulation between the acetabulum and the femoral head. This is an unusual condition, with a prevalence of 1-2 per thousand, and with only two poorly described skeletons documented in South American paleopathological literature. In this work we report an individual with such a condition, from the archeological site Tres Cruces I (Quebrada del Toro, Salta, Argentina). Several radiocarbon dates and associated materials date it to the Superior Formative (400-1000 AD). The remains are of an adult female, who also has tabular oblique cranial modification. Through detection of abnormalities in the morphology of the femora and ossa coxae, a differential diagnosis was carried out. On the left hip joint the formation of a well-defined false acetabulum, without connection with the true one, was observed. The latter was shallow, triangular, with an irregular base. The left os coxae showed a wider greater sciatic notch angle. The right os coxae exhibited a false acetabulum connected with the true one. Both femora presented a small femoral head, flat and mushroom-shaped, with shortening of the neck. These features were more pronounced on the right-side elements. On the basis of the aforementioned, a presumptive diagnosis of bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip with complete dislocation on both sides was established.

The Demographics of Canine Hip Dysplasia in the United States and Canada

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common problem in veterinary medicine. We report the demographics of CHD using the entire hip dysplasia registry from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, analyzing differences by breed, sex, laterality, seasonal variation in birth, and latitude. There were 921,046 unique records. Each dog was classified using the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) systems. Statistical analysis was performed with bivariate and logistic regression procedures. The overall CHD prevalence was 15.56%. The OR for CHD was higher in females (1.05), those born in spring (1.14) and winter (1.13), and those in more southern latitudes (OR 2.12). Within AKC groups, working dogs had the highest risk of CHD (OR 1.882) with hounds being the reference group. Within FCI groups, the pinscher/molossoid group had the highest risk of CHD (OR 4.168) with sighthounds being the reference group. The similarities between CHD and DDH are striking. Within DDH there are two different types, the typical infantile DDH and the late onset adolescent/adult acetabular dysplasia, with different demographics; the demographics of CHD are more similar to the later onset DDH group. Comparative studies of both disorders should lead to a better understanding of both CHD and DDH.

Serum prolidase activity and oxidative-antioxidative status in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip and its relationship with radiographic severity

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate serum prolidase activity and to investigate its association with oxidative-antioxidative status in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

METHODS

Oxidative status parameters, including lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI), and antioxidative status parameters, free sulfhydryl groups (Total -SH), and total antioxidative capacity (TAC), as well as serum prolidase activity were assessed in patients with DDH (n = 93), and in healthy controls (n = 82). The severity of dysplasia was evaluated according to the Tonnis grading system.

RESULTS

Serum prolidase activity and the oxidant parameters (LOOH, TOS, and OSI) were significantly higher and the antioxidant parameters (Total -SH and TAC) were significantly lower in patients with DDH compared to the controls (P < 0.005 for all). Serum prolidase activity was positively correlated with the Tonnis grade of DDH and LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels (P < 0.001 for all), but inversely correlated with total -SH and TAC levels (P < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Increased levels of serum prolidase activity, LOOH, TOS, and OSI, and decreased levels of total -SH and TAC, may be associated with DDH, and these parameters may be useful adjunctive tools to assess the severity of DDH.

The demographics of developmental hip dysplasia in the Midwestern United States (Indiana)

BACKGROUND

Today's society is much more mobile than in the past. This increased mobility has resulted in different marriage/parenting groups. We wished to study the demographics of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in our area and compare/contrast our findings with those in the literature and specifically look for new findings compared to previous studies.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all children with DDH from 2003 through 2012 was performed. The age at first visit, gestational age, pregnancy number, gender, race, and family history of DDH was collected. Statistical significance was a p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 424 children (363 girls, 61 boys). Ethnicity was White in 80.8 %, Hispanic in 13.8 %, Black in 4.0 %, and Indo-Malay and Indo-Mediterranean in 0.7 % each; 66.8 % were unilateral; 14.2 % had a positive family history. The average gestational age was 38.1 weeks; 94.4 % were full term. The child was vertex presentation in 67.6 % and breech in 32.4 %; 52.8 % were delivered vaginally and 47.2 % by Cesarean section. The child was the first-born in 48.3 %. When compared to the birth statistics of our state, there was a higher proportion of Whites and Hispanics with DDH, and a lower, but not inconsequential, proportion of Blacks (p = 0.0018).

CONCLUSION

Mixing of gene pools and infant carrying methods (lack of swaddling or marked abduction) occurring with societal change likely explains the higher than expected proportion of DDH amongst those of Hispanic ethnicity and a lower than expected, but not rare, proportion in those of African ancestry.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-retrospective case series.