Diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in the Netherlands: national questionnaire of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons on current practice in children less than 1 year old

An Eastern Europe and Middle East multinational expert Delphi consensus study on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip before walking age

PURPOSE

The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is higher in Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners. This study aimed to establish consensus among experts in this geographical area on the management of DDH before walking age.

METHODS

Fourteen experienced orthopedic surgeons agreed to participate in a four-round online consensus panel by the Delphi method. The questionnaire included 31 statements concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DDH before walking age.

RESULTS

Consensus was established for 26 (84%) of 31 statements. Hip ultrasonography is the proper diagnostic tool under six months in DDH; universal newborn hip screening between three and six weeks is necessary; positive family history, breech presentation, female gender, and postnatal swaddling are the most important risk factors; Ortolani, Barlow tests, and limitation of abduction are the most important clinical findings; Pavlik harness is the first bracing preference; some Graf type IIa hips and all Graf type IIb and worse hips need abduction bracing treatment; the uppermost age limit for closed and open reductions is 12 months and 12-24 months, respectively; anatomic reduction is essential in closed and open reductions, postoperative MRI or CT is not always indicated; anterior approach open reduction is better than medial approach open reduction; forceful reduction and extreme positioning of the hips (> 60° hip abduction) are the two significant risk factors for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study may be useful for clinicians because a practical reference, based on the opinions of the multinational expert panel, but may not be applicable to all settings is provided.

No Delay in Age of Crawling, Standing or Walking with Pavlik Harness Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Pavlik harness treatment is the standard of care for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants younger than 6 months. The effect of Pavlik harness treatment on the achievement of motor milestones has not previously been reported.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 35 patients were prospectively enrolled to participate and received questionnaires with sequential clinical visits monitoring treatment of their developmental dysplasia of the hip. One-sample Student t -tests assessed differences in milestone attainment age, and the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was conducted to decrease the false discovery rate. Post hoc power analyses of each test were conducted. The age of achievement of eight early motor milestones were recorded and compared with a previously published cohort of healthy infants.

RESULTS

Infants treated with a Pavlik harness achieved four early motor milestones markedly later than the reported age of achievement in a historical control group. These milestones included "roll supine" (5.3 vs. 4.5 months; P = 0.039), "roll prone" (5.7 vs. 5.0 months; P = 0.039), "sit" (6.4 vs. 5.2 months; P < 0.001), and "crawl on stomach" (7.7 vs. 6.6 months; P = 0.039). However, there was no difference in time to achievement of later motor milestones of "crawl on knees," "pull to stand," and "independent walking."

CONCLUSION

Several early motor milestones were achieved at a statistically significantly later time than historical control subjects not treated in a Pavlik harness. Despite statistical significance, the small delays in early motor milestones were not thought to be clinically significant. No differences were observed in the later motor milestones, including knee crawling, standing, and independent walking. Clinicians and parents may be reassured by these findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II-prospective study.

Management preferences of orthopedic surgeons in developmental dysplasia of the hip under 1 year of age in Türkiye: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment preferences of orthopedic surgeons in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) cases under the age of 1 in Türkiye with a higher incidence of DDH, estimated to be around 5-15 per 1000 live births.

METHODS

This was a nationwide cross-sectional survey. A link for the online survey, including 16 multiple-choice questions, was sent to the email group of the National Orthopedic Society.

RESULTS

Among 233 filled-out surveys, 211 met the inclusion criteria. Half of the participants had experience of <10 years as orthopedic surgeons, managed <25% of pediatric patients in daily practice, and treated <25 DDH cases per year before walking age. Ninety-seven percent used more than one method, hip ultrasound the most common, for exact diagnosis of DDH under 6 months. Pavlik harness was the most commonly preferred brace, but the use of Tübingen orthosis increased among experienced surgeons. The uppermost age limit for bracing was higher in surgeons dealing with more pediatric patients and treating more DDH cases. Dislocated hips and hips requiring closed/open reduction were more commonly referred to other surgeons by less experienced surgeons in terms of years, number of pediatric patients, and treated DDH cases per year. The lowest age limit for intervention under general anesthesia was lower in surgeons treating >25 DDH cases per year. Over one-third used both anterior and medial approach open reduction, but a trend to anterior open reduction alone was more evident in surgeons treating >50 DDH cases per year. More experienced surgeons were more prone to check the intraoperative reduction with postoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnosis and treatment ages of DDH cases did not significantly change during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Management preferences of orthopedic surgeons in DDH before walking age primarily depend on the rate of pediatric patients in daily practice and the number of treated DDH cases per year.

Caregiver Experiences Using Orthotic Treatment Options for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common condition affecting 5 in 1000 newborns. The standard first line of treatment is the use of an orthotic, which has generally high success rates, but can pose substantial difficulties and put undue burden on caregivers. The general experience of caregivers using these orthotics has not been well documented on an orthotic-specific basis. The purpose of this study was to investigate caregiver experience using prescribed DDH orthotics to identify challenges, differences between treatment options, and areas of improvement.

METHODS

A survey assessing treatment prescription, respondent demographics, and caregiver experience was distributed online to caregivers whose child/children were treated for DDH with an orthotic. Seven-point positively phrased Likert scale statements and open-ended questions were included to assess caregiver experience. The results were analyzed using summary statistics and orthotics with more than 30 responses were selected for more in-depth analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 530 survey responses were collected with 63% (334/530) of respondents using a Pavlik harness, 45% (236/530) a Rhino brace, and 13% (67/530) a Denis Browne Bar. The overall weighted average score across all Likert Scale statements was positive for the Pavlik harness, Rhino brace, and Denis Browne Bar at 4.19 (95% CI, 3.83 to 4.54), 4.63 (95% CI, 4.27 to 4.99) and 4.91 (95% CI, 4.58 to 5.24), respectively. In the open-ended responses, all 3 orthotics were perceived as easy to use and not hindering child-caregiver bonding, but raised concerns of discomfort and skin irritation, as well as preventing the ability to cuddle their child the way they desired. The Pavlik harness respondents consistently brought up concerns regarding cleanability.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the DDH orthotics analyzed are generally easy to use and perceived positively by caregivers, but have orthotic-specific challenges that should be a focus of future improvement work.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study evaluated opinions and attitudes of caregivers for children being treated with DDH orthotics, revealing experiences, concerns, and challenges associated with the use of commonly prescribed options.

Treatment of decentered developmental dysplasia of the hip under the age of 1 year: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline - Part 2

Background and purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Interpretation

Timing of Repeat Ultrasound Examination in Treatment of Stable Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

BACKGROUND

Worldwide a wide variation exists in duration of Pavlik harness treatment for infants up to 6 months with stable developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether shortening the time to first routine follow-up ultrasound after initiation of Pavlik harness treatment would reduce treatment duration and whether this influenced radiologic outcome at 1 year of age. Furthermore, predictors of higher acetabular index (AI) at 1 year of age were investigated.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in infants with stable DDH (Graf IIb and IIc) diagnosed and treated between 2015 and 2017. Two groups were identified: first routine follow-up ultrasound at 12 weeks after Pavlik harness initiation (group I) and first routine follow-up ultrasound at 6 weeks after Pavlik harness initiation (group II). In both groups, treatment was continued until repeat ultrasound measurements (every 6 wk) showed a normalized hip. Radiologic outcome at 1 year of age was defined as residual dysplasia measured on an anteroposterior hip radiograph according to the Tönnis table.

RESULTS

A total of 222 infants were included. The median time of Pavlik harness treatment was 12 weeks (interquartile range, 11.9 to 12.3) in group I compared with 6.1 weeks (interquartile range, 6.0 to 7.5) in group II (P<0.001). Residual dysplasia at 1 year of age was detected in 20 infants (16.8%) in group I compared with 11 infants (10.7%) in group II (P=0.189). The multivariable prediction model showed that positive family history and lower baseline alpha angle correlate with a higher AI at 1 year of age.

CONCLUSIONS

First routine follow-up ultrasound can be safely brought forward from 12 to 6 weeks after Pavlik harness initiation. Furthermore, infants with a positive family history for DDH and an initial low alpha angle are at higher risk to have a higher AI at 1 year of age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective study.

The treatment of neonatal hip dysplasia with splints in the United Kingdom: time for consensus?

PURPOSE

To understand the variation in the management of hip dysplasia identified from the United Kingdom neonatal selective screening programme.

METHODS

Having been designed and tested by the research committee of the British Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS), a nationwide online survey was conducted of BSCOS members to ascertain their treatment strategies for neonatal hip dysplasia.

RESULTS

There were 111 responses (60% of members), which illustrated wide variation in care. In all, 91 (over 80%) of respondents treat more than ten cases per year, yet only 61 (55%) work to an agreed protocol. A total of 90 (81%) use the Graf classification and 103 (93%) use the Pavlik harness initially. Consensus is lacking in key areas including duration of harness use, hours per day, clothing and weaning. Importantly, notable differences of opinion even exist regarding which hip pathologies need treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study quantifies the wide variation in many key elements of the initial treatment of neonatal hip dysplasia in the United Kingdom. This variation appears unnecessary and unacceptable as the Getting It Right First Time programme seeks to standardize care pathways. The charitable sector has called for consensus to mitigate parental anxiety, and it has been suggested that this could allow better integration of hip dysplasia into national screening pathways. Standardized care benefits patients and represents the platform from which we can begin understanding effectiveness and optimizing outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Comparison of Pavlik Harness treatment regimens for reduced but dislocatable (Barlow positive) hips in infantile DDH

Objective

Although the Pavlik Harness (PH) is the most utilized treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), the ideal treatment protocol (frequency of clinic visits in the first month and daily wear duration) for Barlow ​+ ​hips (reduced but dislocatable) has yet to be defined.

Methods

This study compared DDH patients with Barlow hips who were treated with 23 vs 24 h per day PH wear and weekly vs every other week visits. Clinical success was defined as a stable hip that did not require closed or open reduction, or the use of an abduction orthosis prior to achieving clinical stability. Radiographic success was based on the acetabular index at 2-year follow up.

Results

Sixty-five patients (75 hips/58 females) with Barlow hips had a mean age of presentation of 15 ± 12 days (range 4-70) and mean follow-up of 33 ± 17 months (range 6-90). There was no difference in clinical or radiographic success rate between 23 h vs 24 h wear groups (p > 0.99 both) or the Frequently vs Infrequent visit groups (p = 0.49 both). Overall clinical success rate was 97% (73/75 hips) and radiographic success rate at 2 years was 97% (58/60 hips).

Conclusion

A strict, weekly clinic visit and 24-h PH regimen may not be necessary to obtain good clinical and radiographic outcomes in infants presenting <6 months of age with Barlow positive hips.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic, Level III.

Traction does not decrease failure of reduction and femoral head avascular necrosis in patients aged 6-24 months with developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction: a review of 385 patients and meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of preliminary traction on the rate of failure of reduction and the incidence of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) in patients with late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction. A total of 385 patients (440 hips) treated by closed reduction satisfied the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided in two groups according to treatment modality: a traction group (276 patients) and a no-traction group (109 patients). Tönnis grade, rate of failure reduction, AVN rate, acetabular index, center-edge angle of Wiberg, and Severin's radiographic grade were assessed on plain radiographs, and the results were compared between the two groups of patients. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed based on the existing comparative studies to further evaluate the effect of traction on the incidence of AVN. Tönnis grade in the traction group was significantly higher than in the no-traction group (P = 0.021). The overall rate of failure reduction was 8.2%; no significant difference was found between the traction (9.2%) and no-traction groups (5.6%) (P = 0.203). The rates of failure reduction were similar in all Tönnis grades, regardless of treatment modality (P > 0.05). The rate of AVN in the traction group (14%) was similar to that of the no-traction group (14.5%; P = 0.881). Moreover, the rates of AVN were similar in all Tönnis grades, regardless of treatment modality (P > 0.05). The meta-analysis did not identify any significant difference in the AVN rate whether preliminary traction was used or not (odds ratio = 0.76, P = 0.32). At the last follow-up visit, the two groups of patients had comparable acetabular indices, center-edge angles, and Severin's radiographic grades (P > 0.05). In conclusion, preliminary traction does not decrease the failure of reduction and the incidence of AVN in developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction between 6 and 24 months of age.

Ultrasound of the infant hip: manual fixation is equivalent to Graf's technique regarding image quality-a randomized trial

Background

In Middle Europe ultrasonography is the standard method used to screen for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants. Our aim was to determine whether manual fixation of the child is equivalent to Graf’s technique regarding image quality.

Methods

This randomized trial was conducted at a free-standing general pediatric outpatient clinic in Vienna, Austria. Healthy infants in the 1st and between the 6th and 8th week of life with no hip malalignment were included. After randomization, Group 1 was examined using Graf’s fixation device and participants in Group 2 were fixated on the examination couch by their parents. In a second step, all images underwent a blinded evaluation.

Results

A total of 117 babies (Group 1: n = 62, Group 2: n = 54, excluded: n = 1) were examined and 230 images (Group 1: n = 122, Group 2: n = 108) were evaluated, of which 225 were sonographically normal. Two images, showing a type IIa right hip and a type IIa + left hip respectively, were excluded. One participant had to be excluded as the respective images showed two pathologic hip joints. Two images in Group 1 and three in Group 2 were not evaluable. No statistical association between image quality (11 quality criteria and overall evaluability) and fixation technique (0.12 ≤ p ≤ 1.0 or constant) was found.

Conclusions

Considering sonographically normal hip joints, we found no evidence that manual fixation differed from Graf’s technique regarding image quality. In future studies, hip pathologies should be included and discomfort of infants and parents during the examination should be addressed.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, ID: DRKS00015694), registered retrospectively on October 7th, 2018.

Ultrasonography of borderline and asymmetric infant hips - a challenge in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Background and aim

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a potentially disabling disease. There are many diagnostic approaches, Graf method ultrasonography being the most popular imaging method. Although considered as a healthy condition, the existence of hips at the 60 degree limit or the asymmetries higher than 4 degrees between left and right side may be a source of unfavorable evolution and consequently of late diagnosed dysplasia cases.

Methods

The retrospective study was conducted in the Radiology Department of the Emergency Clinical County Hospital Cluj-Napoca, by retrospective analysis of the database containing 3013 records of the subjects presented for DDH assessment between January 2008 and December 2014. The study focuses on investigating two possible sources of missed cases by clinical-ultrasound management of DDH: borderline and asymmetric hips. Two conditions were studied in patients considered healthy according to Graf method: borderline hips (those with α angle value of 60° and 61°) and asymmetric hips (left to right difference between the α angle values exceeds 4°). Three study groups were formed: healthy subjects, asymmetric/borderline subjects and patients with immature or mild dysplasia. The incidence of risk factors, clinical suspicion and the success of therapy were evaluated.

Results

There were no significant differences between the three groups regarding the role of the risk factors in DDH pathogenesis. Data reveal a high suspicion rate after the clinical examination, in groups II and III, compared to the healthy population. This means that from this point of view, Group II might be considered having at least a dysplastic prognosis. An increased correlation in the therapeutic results was observed between Group II patients and those from mild delayed maturation subgroups from Group III (IIa−, IIa+).

Conclusions

Asymmetric and borderline hips should be approached similarly to immature hips, clinical suspicion and the therapeutic outcome being similar.

Diagnostic and treatment preferences for developmental dysplasia of the hip: a survey of EPOS and POSNA members

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to elucidate developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) diagnosis and treatment preferences among members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS).

METHODS

A 54-question survey on DDH diagnosis and treatment preferences was distributed to POSNA and EPOS members. Descriptive statistics were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 459 responses were analyzed. Ultrasound was the preferred modality for diagnosing DDH in infants less than six months old; few surgeons preferred radiographs. In all, 57% of POSNA members had radiology technicians perform ultrasounds, only 7% of EPOS members did. The percent coverage defining a dislocated hip varied greatly, the most frequent response being < 20% for POSNA and < 40% for EPOS members. Pavlik harnesses were the most popular harness/brace, used by 90% of POSNA and 71% of EPOS members. POSNA members were more likely than EPOS members to use a rigid abduction brace following initial harness/brace failure. For residual acetabular dysplasia, POSNA members were twice as likely as EPOS members to institute hip abduction bracing. Most surgeons would not perform closed reduction at less than three months of age or open reduction at less than six months of age. Most EPOS -members used traction prior to reduction; few POSNA members did. Few POSNA and EPOS members believed that reduction should be delayed until the ossific nucleus was visible.

CONCLUSION

There is great variation in the preferred methods for diagnosing and treating DDH. This survey is the largest transcontinental survey to compile diagnostic and treatment preferences for DDH. With wide variations in practice, there is room for quality improvement.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip in neonates: evolution of acetabular dysplasia after hip stabilization by brief Pavlik harness treatment

BACKGROUND

The recommended treatment duration in neonates with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) varies depending on whether prolonged Pavlik harness therapy is believed to favourably affect the course of the acetabular dysplasia. According to one theory, several months of additional Pavlik harness therapy after achieving hip reduction contributes to correct the acetabular dysplasia. Another theory holds that hip dislocation induces the acetabular dysplasia, which corrects spontaneously once the femoral head is properly seated in the acetabulum. Here, we evaluated this second theory by studying outcomes after early brief Pavlik harness therapy.

HYPOTHESIS

Acetabular dysplasia associated with neonatal hip instability undergoes self-correction provided stable hip reduction is achieved very early after birth. Therefore, the duration of Pavlik harness therapy can be substantially shortened.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We defined hip instability as either reducible hip dislocation or a very easily dislocatable hip with a soft clunk precluding determination of spontaneous hip position as dislocated or reduced. Static and dynamic ultrasound scans were obtained. Patients with ultrasonographic instability (pubo-femoral distance>5mm with less than 50% of coverage) underwent a second physical examination and received treatment. We re-evaluated 42 abnormal hips in 30 patients after a mean follow-up of 6.7 years (range, 5-14 years). Mean age at treatment initiation was 5 days (range, 1-15 days) and mean treatment duration was 34 days (range, 15-75 days).

RESULTS

Mean acetabular angle was 20° (range, 12°-30°) and mean Wiberg's lateral centre-edge angle was 30° (range, 22°-35°). Blunting of the lateral angle of the bony roof was noted in 8 hips at last follow-up. In 1 patient whose hip was stable clinically but unstable by ultrasonography at 21 days of age, recurrent dislocation occurred at 5 months of age. The Severin class was 1a in all patients.

DISCUSSION

Despite continuing controversy about whether hip dislocation induces dysplasia or vice versa, the need for early treatment is universally recognised. The optimal treatment duration, however, remains debated. Proponents of the familial determinism of DDH consider that acetabular shaping is genetically programmed when the femoral head is centred in the acetabular socket. Others advocate routine prolongation of Pavlik harness therapy for 2 months or longer, based on the opinion that this strategy decreases the dislocation recurrence rate and that mechanical hip unloading may promote correction of the dysplasia. Mean treatment duration in our population was 34 days and our sole objective was to treat the instability. The hip was reduced and held in its proper position long enough to allow sufficient capsule and ligament tightening to stabilise the hip. Under these conditions, the acetabular dysplasia underwent self-correction that was not related to treatment duration.

CONCLUSION

Very early Pavlik harness therapy to ensure rapid hip reduction and stabilisation optimises the potential of the acetabulum for spontaneous remodelling.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.

Staged weaning versus immediate cessation of Pavlik harness treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip

Outcomes of nonoperative treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip were compared between two centres. Eighty children in Centre A underwent staged weaning of the Pavlik harness once three consecutive weekly ultrasounds showed Graf Grade I hips, whereas in 48 children in Centre B, the harness was removed immediately. No statistically significant difference was found in the rate of reintervention (repeat harness treatment, closed or open reduction), avascular necrosis or acetabular index between the two methods, although there was a nonsignificant trend towards higher reintervention rate and lower avascular necrosis rate with immediate harness removal. Age at start of treatment significantly impacted upon initial harness success, reinterventions and avascular necrosis.