Radiographic Follow-up of DDH in Infants: Are X-rays Necessary After a Normalized Ultrasound?

Resolving residual acetabular dysplasia following successful brace treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants

Aims

Radiological residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD) has been reported in up to 30% of children who had successful brace treatment of infant developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Predicting those who will resolve and those who may need corrective surgery is important to optimize follow-up protocols. In this study we have aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of RAD at two years and five years post-bracing.

Methods

This was a single-centre, prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants with DDH managed using a published, standardized Pavlik harness protocol between January 2012 and December 2016. RAD was measured at two years' mean follow-up using acetabular index-lateral edge (AI-L) and acetabular index-sourcil (AI-S), and at five years using AI-L, AI-S, centre-edge angle (CEA), and acetabular depth ratio (ADR). Each hip was classified based on published normative values for normal, borderline (1 to 2 standard deviations (SDs)), or dysplastic (> 2 SDs) based on sex, age, and laterality.

Results

Of 202 infants who completed the protocol, 181 (90%) had two and five years' follow-up radiographs. At two years, in 304 initially pathological hips, the prevalence of RAD (dysplastic) was 10% and RAD (borderline) was 30%. At five years, RAD (dysplastic) decreased to 1% to 3% and RAD (borderline) decreased to < 1% to 2%. On logistic regression, no variables were predictive of RAD at two years. Only AI-L at two years was predictive of RAD at five years (p < 0.001). If both hips were normal at two years' follow-up (n = 96), all remained normal at five years. In those with bilateral borderline hips at two years (n = 21), only two were borderline at five years, none were dysplastic. In those with either borderline-dysplastic or bilateral dysplasia at two years (n = 26), three (12%) were dysplastic at five years.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with RAD at two years post-brace treatment, spontaneously resolved by five years. Therefore, children with normal radiographs at two years post-brace treatment can be discharged. Targeted follow-up for those with abnormal AI-L at two years will identify the few who may benefit from surgical correction at five years' follow-up.

Ultrasonographic screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip: the Graf method revisited

Until the 1980s, the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) was based on clinical examination and radiographic imaging. In 1980, Reinhard Graf developed his own ultrasonographic method for the examination of the infant hip joint. Graf's method evaluates the osseous and cartilaginous coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum in the infantile hip joint by measuring the angles α and β. The validity of Graf method is that with these measurements the hip joint is further classified by Graf classification into types I to IV that guide treatment. Currently, Graf method is considered the gold standard examination for the diagnosis of DDH in many European countries. This review article aims to discuss the incidence, risk factors and pathophysiology of DDH, and to emphasize on the Graf method for the evaluation, classification, prevention and further management of this entity.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip and ultrasound reading by pediatric orthopedic surgeons: a pilot study

Ultrasound is an imaging modality utilized for early detection and follow-up of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants. Traditionally, pediatric orthopedic surgeons have relied on radiologists to perform ultrasound examinations and interpret the imaging. Today, however, many orthopedic surgeons are performing and interpreting ultrasound themselves. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the reliability of pediatric orthopedic surgeons in interpreting ultrasound imaging of infant hips. This was a prospective observational pilot study. After reading an instructional handout about the Graf method of hip ultrasonography, eight pediatric orthopedic surgeons measured 28 hip ultrasound images to determine the alpha angle and percent femoral head coverage. On the basis of cited intraclass correlation coefficient cutoff values, interrater reliability was found to be 'good' for percent femoral head coverage and 'fair' for alpha angle. These findings are equivalent to findings of similar studies using radiologists as examiners. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can interpret ultrasound exams for diagnosing DDH.

The utility of ultrasound and plain radiographs in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of follow-up radiological imaging in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in patients successfully treated with the Pavlik harness. A retrospective review was conducted on all children under 6 months diagnosed with DDH at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 2004 and December 2018. Inclusion criteria included successful Pavlik harness treatment following a standardized protocol with complete radiological documentation at 2 years of age. Ultrasonography was reviewed to measure the α and β angles and Graf classification. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were evaluated for the acetabular index and residual acetabular dysplasia. Seventy-eight hips from 57 infants were included in this study. The mean 6-month, 12-month and 2-year acetabular index of Graf I, IIa and IIc hips on ultrasound at 12 weeks were within the normal range according to age. There were no Graf IIb, IId, III and IV hips. All infants had normal radiographs at 2 years follow-up. The 6- and 12-month residual dysplasia rates in patients with DDH normalization at 12 weeks and 6 months range from 2.5 to 8.82%. Regardless of when the acetabular index normalized, all patients eventually had normal hip radiographs at 2 years of age. Following a standardized protocol, patients undergoing Pavlik harness treatment for DDH with Graf I and IIa hips at 12 weeks are likely to have normal plain radiographs at discharge. The incidence of residual dysplasia is very low and hence, radiographic surveillance is probably unnecessary until discharge at 2 years. Level II, retrospective study.

Residual acetabular dysplasia after Pavlik harness treatment for Graf type II hips

Purpose

To evaluate the residual acetabular dysplasia in Graf type II hips after Pavlik harness treatment with a radiographic follow-up at 2 years of age.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the developmental dysplasia of the hip patients who were treated with the Pavlik harness between March 2018 and February 2022. Patients with Graf type II hip dysplasia who had at least one radiographic follow-up after 2 years of age were included. The following information, sex, laterality, affected side, age at harness initiation, treatment duration, α angle, and the morphology of bony roof, was collected and studied. We evaluated the radiographic acetabular index at the last follow-up and defined the value of greater than 2 standard deviations as residual acetabular dysplasia.

Results

A total of 33 patients (53 hips) met the criteria. The mean initial α angle was 53.4°; the mean age at Pavlik harness initiation was 10.9 weeks. The mean treatment duration was 10 weeks. The mean α angle at the last ultrasound follow-up was 64.9°. The mean age of the last radiographic follow-up was 2.6 years, and 26 hips had a residual acetabular dysplasia with acetabular indexes greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean. The morphology of the acetabular bony rim (odds ratio = 4.333, P = 0.029) and age of initial treatment <12 weeks (odds ratio = 7.113, P = 0.014) were seen as significant predictors for a higher acetabular index more than 2 years of age.

Conclusions

A notable incidence of residual acetabular dysplasia after Pavlik harness treatment in Graf type II hips, wherein the acetabular bony roof with a blunt rim at the end of treatment and initial age after 12 weeks were independent predictors associated with residual acetabular dysplasia.

Levels of evidence

Therapeutic studies, IV.

Incidence and risk factors for persistent acetabular dysplasia in patients with developmental dislocation of the hip treated by Pavlik Harness

Some patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) before 6 months of age successfully treated by Pavlik Harness (PH) still had persistent acetabular dysplasia (PAD). This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for PAD in patients with DDH treated by PH. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 89 patients (109 hips; mean age, 3.2 ± 1.5 months) with DDH treated by PH. Prior to treatment, all patients underwent ultrasound examination and classified according to Graf's method. PH was terminated once the hip achieved imaging recovery criteria. At final follow-up, the acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CEA) of Wiberg were measured on radiograph. Overall, 67/109 hips (61.5%) had successful PH treatment. Among these 67 hips, 58 hips (86.6%) achieved satisfactory outcome, nine (13.4%) had PAD. Age of the patients with PAD (4.3 ± 1 months) was significantly higher than those without PAD (2.8 ± 1.5 months) ( P = 0.001). Hips with PAD had higher mean Graf grade than those with satisfactory outcome ( P = 0.014). Logistic regression-confirmed age and Graf classification were risk factors for PAD. Overall, 55/67 (82.1%) met imaging recovery criteria to stop PH treatment, whereas 12/67 hips (17.9%) did not. The rate of PAD at final follow-up in patients achieving recovery criteria (4/55; 7.3%) was significantly lower than those not achieving it (41.7%) ( P = 0.007). In conclusion, age and Graf classification are risk factors for PAD. If hips are not normal at the end of PH treatment, the risk of PAD increases further.

Fifty percent of patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia showed normal findings upon neonatal ultrasound screening : Symptomatic hip dysplasia in adulthood despite inconspicuous neonatal hip ultrasound

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is characterized by the pathomorphology of inadequate acetabular coverage of the femoral head leading to increased loading of the articular surface and acetabular rim. If left untreated, this ultimately leads to osteoarthritis. Germany introduced a nationwide universal ultrasound screening program for all newborn infants in 1996. Subsequently, the incidence of undiagnosed hip dislocation was significantly reduced. In this consecutive series of patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic dysplasia of the hip between October 2014 and October 2022 data regarding the U3 screening examination were analyzed. The data included whether the examination was performed, whether the findings were positive or negative, whether the patients underwent any form of treatment in the case of a positive finding and whether a control X‑ray was performed. This study provides evidence that acetabular undercoverage cannot be ruled out based on a normal finding in ultrasonography screening. Furthermore, the study also shows that residual dysplasia may persist despite attempts of conservative treatment.

Prediction of Late Dysplasia Based on Ultrasound and Plain X-Ray at 6 Months

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip represents a spectrum of deformity. Residual dysplasia at 2 years of age is associated with an increased risk for osteoarthritis and functional limitations. We compared the prognostic value of 6-month imaging modalities and aimed to identify optimal diagnostic metrics for the prediction of residual dysplasia.

METHODS

After IRB approval, patients who underwent Pavlik treatment between 2009 and 2018 with 2-year follow-up were identified. Sonographs [ultrasound (US)] and radiographs (x-ray) were obtained at 6-month and 2-year-old visits. Dysplasia at 2 years was defined as an acetabular index (AI) >24 degrees. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to quantitatively compare the prognostic ability of US and x-ray-based measures at 6 months. Youden's index [(YI) (values range from 0 (poor test) to 1 (perfect test)] was used to evaluate existing cutoffs at 6 months of age (normal measurements: alpha angle (AA) ≥60 degrees, femoral head coverage (FHC) ≥50%, and AI <30 degrees) relative to newly proposed limits.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were included, of which 28.8% of patients (95% CI: 17.3 to 40.4%) had acetabular dysplasia at 2 years. After adjusting for sex, AA [Area under the Curve (AUC): 80] and AI (AUC: 79) at 6 months of age were better tests than FHC (AUC: 0.77). Current diagnostic cutoffs for AA (YI: 0.08), AI (YI: 0.0), and FHC (YI: 0.06) at 6 months had poor ability to predict dysplasia at 2 years. A composite test of all measures based on proposed cutoffs (AA ≥73 degrees, FHC > 62% and AI ≤24 degrees) was a better predictor of dysplasia at 2 years (Youden's index (YI): 0.63) than any single metric.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of residual dysplasia remains concerning. The 6-month x-ray and US both play a role in the ongoing management of the developmental dysplasia of the hip. The prediction of dysplasia is maximized when all metrics are considered collectively. Existing parameters were not accurate; We recommend the following cutoffs: AA ≥73 degrees, FHC > 62%, and AI ≤24 degrees. These cutoffs must be validated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II.

Hip morphology on initial ultrasound predicts hip morphology at one year in developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine whether point-of-care ultrasound performed during the Pavlik method treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip predicts acetabular morphology at 12 months of age.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records, ultrasounds, and radiographs of patients treated successfully with the Pavlik method between 2017 and 2019. We performed sonographic measurements on point-of-care ultrasound at the initial presentation, the Pavlik discontinuation, and an additional sonographic follow-up. We measured the acetabular index on a plain anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis obtained at a minimum of 12 months of age. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze for correlation between sonographic measurements and the acetabular index.

Results:

A total of 72 patients were included in the final analysis. There were no residual or late dysplasia cases at the last radiographic follow-up (mean age = 14.8 ± 2.7 months). Sonographic parameters at the initial presentation significantly correlated with the acetabular index at the final radiographic follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients with worsening degrees of developmental dysplasia of the hip based on stability on sonographic testing (stable, unstable, or dislocated) had higher acetabular indices at the final radiographic follow-up (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Point-of-care ultrasound at initial presentation and the Pavlik discontinuation significantly correlate with acetabular morphology at 1–1.5 years of age. At initial presentation, hips that were unstable or dislocated on point-of-care ultrasound had significantly greater acetabular indices than stable hips at the final follow-up.

Level of evidence:

level IV case series.

Residual dysplasia of the hip after successful ultrasound-monitored treatment: how does an infant's hip evolve?

Despite that normal values for the hip joint are reached at the end of ultrasound-monitored-treatment, the development of the acetabulum can be compromised during the growth phase. The acetabular index (AI) measured on a pelvic radiograph has been proven to be a reliable parameter. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of once-treated, residually dysplastic hips. This should be achieved by radiographically following these hips up to a milestone-examination at the end of preschool age. A total of 120 hips of consecutive 60 infants were included in this examination, each presenting with a residual developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH) after successful ultrasound-monitored harness treatment. Radiographic follow-up was assessed retrospectively around 18 months, 3 years and 6 years of age, and the AI was measured. The age-dependent Tönnis classification was applied. The hips were assigned normal, mildly or severely dysplastic. Dependent t -test for paired samples indicated a highly significant improvement of the AI-values, including from the first to the second and from the second to the third follow-up. The percentage distribution into the Tönnis classification changed remarkably: in the first follow-up, 36 of the 120 hips were evaluated 'severely dysplastic', in the third follow-up only 1. On the other hand, three hips underwent acetabuloplasty. Even after normal values have been achieved at the end of ultrasound-monitored treatment, there remains a risk of residual dysplasia of the hips. Particularly, when the first radiographic examination shows nonphysiological findings, further close-meshed follow-up is recommended. Level of evidence: retrospective study of therapeutic outcome, consecutive patients, level II.

Late presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip after a normal hip ultrasound at 6 weeks of age: A report of two cases

Developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) is a paediatric condition in which the 'ball and socket' hip joint fails to form properly during infancy. The increased mechanical stress on the hip joint from DDH can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis during adulthood. Therefore, careful physical examination and imaging of all infants to diagnose DDH is critical to provide the best possible functional outcome. Ultrasonography (US) is a useful diagnostic test in providing a real-time evaluation and three-dimensional view of the hip in infants less than 4 months. In infants with a normal hip ultrasound, the risk of subsequent development of hip dysplasia at an older age and the need for further follow-up is assumed to be unnecessary. In the present study, we report 2 cases of late presenting DDH in infant girls born breech with a previous normal hip exam and normal hip ultrasound at 6 weeks of age.

Radiological predictors associated with success of treatment for developmental dysplasia of hip using the Pavlik harness: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

While various predictors of treatment outcome of Pavlik harness have been reported, appropriate indications for treatment and relationships between patient characteristics and outcome are unclear. The present study aimed to identify radiological predictors for successful Pavlik harness treatment of DDH at the initiation of treatment and investigate the progression of radiological characteristics after successful treatment.

METHODS

One-hundred-forty-two of 527 infants who visited our hospital for secondary screening of DDH were treated with the Pavlik harness. One-hundred-eight hips of 108 infants experienced successful treatment and could be followed up until 3 years of age (group S); treatment was unsuccessful within the first 2 weeks for 22 hips of 21 infants (group F). We investigated the Graf classification and radiological parameters.

RESULTS

We observed the ipsilateral-side measurements of distance A and B as defined by Yamamuro and Chene's method to be significantly smaller and greater, respectively, in group F compared with those of group S. Group F tended to exhibit the smaller distance A and larger distance B compared to the group S among the same Graf type. The cut-off values for successful treatment at were >7.4 mm at initiation of treatment for distance A and <11.2 mm for distance B. The acetabular index (AI) of the ipsilateral side at the initiation of treatment was significantly correlated with that at 1 and 3 years of age. Patients with an AI of >32° at the initiation of harness treatment were more likely to exhibit hip dysplasia at 3 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographic parameters prior to the Pavlik harness could be predictors of treatment failure and DDH in the future. This study showed that AI at the initiation of treatment is associated with residual acetabular dysplasia, suggesting that radiographic assessment may be useful even considering the risks associated with radiation exposure.

Hip Morphology in Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) Patients Treated for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) as Infants Compared With Those Without Infant Treatment

BACKGROUND

A subset of patients successfully treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) as infants have symptomatic acetabular dysplasia at skeletal maturity leading to periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of this study was to compare femoral and acetabular morphology in PAO patients with late acetabular dysplasia after previous treatment for DDH with PAO patients who do not have a history of DDH treatment.

METHODS

A single surgeon's patients who underwent PAO between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients previously treated for infantile DDH with a Pavlik harness, abduction brace, closed reduction and spica casting, or open reduction and spica casting were included. Patients with previous bony hip surgery were excluded. Preoperative radiographic measurements of each hip were recorded including lateral center edge angle, anterior center edge angle, and Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof index. Computed tomography measurements included the coronal center edge angle, sagittal center edge angle, Tönnis angle, acetabular anteversion at 1, 2, and 3 o'clock, femoral neck-shaft angle, femoral version, and alpha angle. Control PAO cases without a history of DDH diagnosis or treatment were matched with the infantile DDH treatment group in a 2:1 ratio based on coronal center edge angle, age, and sex.

RESULTS

There were 21 hips in 18 patients previously treated for infantile DDH (13 patients Pavlik harness, 3 abduction brace, 1 closed reduction, and 1 open reduction). The control PAO cohort was 42 hips in 42 patients who did not have previous DDH treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the recorded measurements between patients previously treated for DDH and those without previous treatment including femoral version (P=0.494), anteversion at 1 o'clock (P=0.820), anteversion at 2 o'clock (P=0.584), anteversion at 3 o'clock (P=0.137), neck-shaft angle (P=0.612), lateral center edge angle (P=0.433), Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof index (P=0.144), and alpha angle (P=0.156).

CONCLUSIONS

Femoral and acetabular morphology is similar between PAO patients with persistent symptomatic acetabular dysplasia following DDH treatment and patients presenting after skeletal maturity with acetabular dysplasia and no previous history of DDH treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-case-control, prognostic study.

Does a Graf Type-I Hip Justify the Discontinuation of Pavlik Harness Treatment in Patients with Developmental Dislocation of the Hip?

Background: To analyze the clinical data of patients aged < 6 months with developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) treated with Pavlik Harness (PH) in order to identify the best time to terminate PH treatment. Method: Fifty-four patients (47 females, 7 males; 63 hips) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; there were 33 (61.1%) left, 12 (22.2%) right and 9 (16.7%) bilateral DDH. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.8 ± 5.9 weeks (range, 1.4−25.5). All patients underwent fulltime PH treatment for about three months. At completion of PH treatment, patients were then divided into Group A, including patients with clinically stable hip joint and Graf type-I hip on ultrasound (US), and Group B, including patients with clinically stable hip joint and well-reduced hip on anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs without acetabular dysplasia. Six months after completion of PH treatment, the presence/absence of residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD) was evaluated on AP pelvis radiographs. The t-test and chi-square test were used to compare the differences in age, gender, side, Graf classification and RAD rate between the two groups of patients. Results: At completion of PH treatment, 45 hips were in Group A and 18 in Group B. There were no significant differences in age, gender, side, preoperative alpha angle and Graf classification between the two groups. Six months after discontinuation of PH, the AI in Group A (27.1° ± 6.8°) was significantly higher than that in Group B (21.9° ± 3.5°; p = 0.001); moreover 23 hips (51.1%) in Group A developed RAD compared to one hip in Group B (5.6%; p = 0.001). Among Group A patients, those with RAD were significantly older (13.7 ± 4.9 weeks) than those with normal hips (7.6 ± 3.8 weeks; p < 0.001); the incidence of RAD was significantly lower in patients with Graf type-II D hips (22.2%) than in patients with Graf type-III (70%) and type-IV hips (71.4%; p = 0.006). However, logistic regression analysis identified age as the only risk factor for RAD. All 24 hips with RAD (24/63, 38.1%) were treated with abduction braces. At final follow-up, AI in Group A (20.5° ± 3.3°) was not significantly different from that in Group B (21.9° ± 3.3°; p = 0.132). At the last follow-up visit, five hips (11.1%) in Group A still had RAD, compared to none in Group B (p = 0.31). Conclusions: In patients with DDH treated by PH, Graf type-I on US is not an absolute timing to terminate PH treatment. In addition, patients ≥ 13 weeks had a high risk of RAD despite PH treatment as 51.1% of infants developed RAD during follow up. Follow-up radiographs should be requested in all patients achieving Graf type-I hips at completion of PH treatment.

Practice Essentials of Imaging in Early Diagnosis of DDH

INTRODUCTION

Developmental dysplasia of hip joint (DDH) is a dynamic progressive pathology which can tilt either way. The term strictly applies to primary dysplasia, where etiology is not clearly known. Secondary dysplasia can be due multiple causes, such as neuromuscular disorders, connective tissue disorders or skeletal syndromes.

METHODS

The etiology being multifactorial, it needs a multidisciplinary team to address the issue at hand. The management starts antenatally with a detailed history of any risk factors and a dedicated ultrasound of the foetus, since forewarned is forearmed. At birth, a paediatrician having a keen sense of DDH will perform Barlow's or Ortolani's manoeuvre and can be the first one to sound the alarm in the event of positive findings. How and when a Radiologist needs to step in will depend on inter-departmental discussions between the paediatrician and the orthopedician.

RESULTS

In the presence of positive clinical screening tests, and non-availability of ultrasound, a preliminary X ray pelvis AP view including both hip joints should be the requisitioned in a child of any age, particularly, if belonging to the high-risk group. If ultrasound is available, a screening exam till 6 months of age is recommended to rule out DDH.

DISCUSSIONS

India is known for its vast numbers and little babies with occult diseases are the first to bear the brunt of conditions which have very few symptoms to start with. DDH is one such condition which most unfortunately expresses itself as a symptom only when it's too late, i.e., most often when the child begins to walk. Ultrasound is the modality of choice in neonates; however, since India is a country of modest means, in majority of the regions, radiographs still remain the first line of investigation.

Examining the Short-Term Natural History of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Infancy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

This study was an update on the AAOS clinical practice guideline's analysis of the natural history of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The objective was to delineate the natural history of clinical instability or radiologic abnormalities of the hip in infants by identifying the proportion of cases that resolved without treatment compared to cases that progressed and/or required treatment.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of PUBMED to identify studies which evaluated the natural history of DDH. We used the same search strategy as that utilized in the previous AAOS guidelines, updated to include articles published between September 2013 and May 2021. We assessed the quality of included articles using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence and reported study demographics and outcomes using summary statistics.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles met our eligibility criteria. Most included studies were retrospective (14/24), investigated either the incidence of DDH (8/24) or assessed screening programs (7/24). The most prevalent study population followed were Graf 2A hips (7/24). Most studies were low quality with level of evidence 3 (13/24) or 4 (7/24). Sample sizes ranged from 9 to 3251. Twenty studies reported the number of cases resolved over the follow-up period with a mean rate of 84.3% (95% confidence interval 76.1, 92.6).

CONCLUSION

We found most mild-to-moderate DDH can resolve without treatment in early infancy, especially in physiologically immature (Graf 2A) hips. More high-quality evidence is needed to properly assess the natural history of DDH as only one included study was a randomized trial.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00510-6.

Is There a Benefit to Weaning Pavlik Harness Treatment in Infantile DDH?

BACKGROUND

Following successful treatment of developmental hip dysplasia with a Pavlik harness, controversy exists over the benefit of continued harness use for an additional "weaning" period beyond ultrasonographic normalization versus simply terminating treatment. Although practitioners are often dogmatic in their beliefs, there is little literature to support the superiority of 1 protocol over the other. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic outcomes of 2 cohorts of infants with developmental hip dysplasia treated with Pavlik harness, 1 with a weaning protocol and 1 without.

METHODS

This was a comparative review of patients with dislocated/reducible hips and stable dysplasia from 2 centers. All patients had pretreatment ultrasounds, and all started harness treatment before 3 months of age. On the basis of power analysis, a sufficient cohort of hips were matched based on clinical examination, age at initiation, initial α angle, and initial percent femoral head coverage. Patients from institution W (weaned) were weaned following ultrasonographic normalization, whereas those from institution NW (not weaned) immediately ceased treatment. The primary outcome was the acetabular index at 1 year of age.

RESULTS

In total, 16 dislocated/reducible and 16 stable dysplastic hips were matched at each center (64 total hips in 53 patients). Initial α angle and initial femoral head coverage were not different between cohorts for either stable dysplasia (P=0.59, 0.81) or dislocated/reducible hips (P=0.67, 0.70), respectively. As expected, weaned hips were treated for significantly longer in both the stable dysplasia (1540.4 vs. 1066.3 h, P<0.01), and dislocated/reducible cohorts (1596.6 vs. 1362.5 h, P=0.01). Despite this, we found no significant difference in the acetabular index at 1 year in either cohort (22.8 vs. 23.1 degrees, P=0.84 for stable dysplasia; 23.9 vs. 24.8 degrees, P=0.32 for Ortolani positive).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite greater total harness time, infants treated with additional Pavlik weaning did not demonstrate significantly different radiographic results at 1 year of age compared with those who were not weaned. However, differences in follow-up protocols between centers support the need for a more rigorous randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Predictors of Hip Dysplasia at 4 Years in Children with Perinatal Risk Factors

While perinatal risk factors are widely used to help identify those at risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) within the first 6 to 8 weeks of life, limited data exist about their association with radiographic evidence of dysplasia in childhood. The purpose of this study was to determine which perinatal risk factors are associated with acetabular dysplasia in children who are ≥2 years of age.

Treatment of unstable hips with the Tübingen splint in early postnatal period: radiological mid-term results of 75 hips with mean follow-up of 5.5 years

PURPOSE

For treatment of unstable hips, the Tübingen splint is a treatment option. After the initial treatment, regular radiological follow-up examinations are recommended but there is a lack of long-term outcome studies. Therefore, the further development of unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint were evaluated.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2015 116 patients with 161 unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were: 1) successfully treated unstable hip (type D, III and IV); 2) pelvic radiographs at the age of one to ≤ two, two to ≤ four and four to ≤ eight years. The acetabular index (ACI) of all and the centre-edge angle (CEA) of the third radiograph were measured and classified according to the Tönnis classification.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients with 75 unstable hips (type D 34 (45.3%), III 33 (44.0%), IV 8 (10.7%)) were included. In comparison of the first, second and third radiograph, an increase of normal findings was seen in 31 (41.3%) to 53 (70.7%) and 60 (80.0%) hips, respectively. However, a decrease of slightly dysplastic hips from 31 (41.3%) to 19 (25.3%) and 14 (18.7%) respectively and severely dysplastic hips from 13 (17.3%) to three (4.0%) and one (1.3%) hip respectively was detected. In comparison of first to second radiograph, 32 hips improved and five hips deteriorated and of second to third radiograph 16 hips improved and six hips deteriorated. The Tönnis classification of ACI compared with CEA showed no significant differences (p = 0.442).

CONCLUSION

This study shows a good development of unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint with mean follow-up 5.5 years. Nevertheless, unexpected deteriorations could be identified. The CEA is an alternative to the ACI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

A normal screening ultrasound does not provide complete reassurance in infants at risk of hip dysplasia; further follow-up is required

BACKGROUND

Screening for developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) continues to evolve with the use of ultrasound (US) in either selective or universal screening methods. The possibility of delayed evidence of DDH, and thus the need for radiographic follow-up at a later stage of development have been suggested by some authors.

AIMS

The aim of this review was to evaluate the number of patients in our hospital network with a normal screening US at 6 weeks with evidence of DDH at the time of radiographic review at 6 months. Secondary aim; to determine the outcomes for these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was done to infants undergoing DDH ultrasound screening between January and December 2015. Initial US and radiographs at 6 months were reviewed. Patients with normal screening US who had subsequent radiographs were included for analysis.

RESULTS

In total, there were 829 patients included for analysis. Sixty-three patients (8%) had evidence of DDH at 6 months, representing 34% of all DDH diagnoses for the study period. Five of the 63 patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 58 babies were treated in Boston bracing. Four patients with evidence of persistent DDH were referred for tertiary review. The osteotomy rate in the radiograph diagnosed group was 2%, versus 6% and 3% in the unstable and US diagnosed groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Eight percent of patients with a normal screening US had evidence of DDH at time of radiograph at 6 months, reflecting 34% of all our DDH cases for the year. Based on these findings, patients in our hospital network undergo radiographic evaluation at 6 months even if the initial screening US is normal.

Discrepancy between ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in patients treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip; hip maturation on ultrasonography may not be consistent with radiographic hip maturation

Currently, hip sonography is used for early diagnosis and for monitoring developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treatment in many countries. An early pioneer of ultrasonography for early diagnosis of DDH was Graf. Based on the Graf approach, hip ultrasonography is more sensitive and specific than radiography for the diagnosis of DDH, because of its capability to show cartilaginous structures of the hip joint. The aim of this study was to compare radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in patients treated for DDH. This study included 88 infants (98hips) treated for DDH. Radiography was simultaneously used for treatment and follow-up evaluation in addition to ultrasonography after six months of age. A retrospective evaluation was made of the ultrasonographs and radiographs of these infants. Of the total 98 hips, 28 were normal both ultrasonographically and radiographically, and a pathologic hip was demonstrated in 32 hips both sonographically and radiographically. Hip ultrasonography showed abnormal development in 32 hips, while radiography showed abnormal development in 70 hips. In 38 hips, the findings were normal according to ultrasonography but pathological according to radiography. There were no hips that were normal radiographically but pathological sonographically. When radiography is accepted as the standard imaging method in our study patients, the sensitivity and specificity of hip ultrasonography were determined as 45.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 41.5-45.7] and 100% (95% CI: 89.4-100), respectively. These findings suggest that hip maturation apparent on ultrasonography may not be consistent with radiographic hip development in infants treated for DDH.

Correlations between ultrasonographic and subsequent radiographic findings of developmental dysplasia of the hips

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate the utility of ultrasonographic (US) findings in predicting the subsequent radiographic parameters of developmental dysplasia of the hips.

Methods

In this 12-year retrospective cohort study, all new-born infants with a positive clinical examination or risk factors were included. They were scheduled for hip ultrasonography in the first 3 months, and subsequent radiographs at 1 year of life. The US images were evaluated using the Graf classification, Harcke’s dynamic screening method, and Terjesen’s femoral head coverage method. The radiographic images were evaluated using the acetabular index and femoral head position. The overall US or radiographic findings were considered abnormal if they were classified as abnormal for any of their respective parameters. The overall US and radiographic parameters were correlated.

Results

A total of 160 patients were included. The overall US and radiographic parameters showed no statistically significant difference (P=0.050). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the overall US parameters were 57.1%, 84.9%, and 81.3%, respectively. All three individual US parameters showed no statistically significant differences, with the overall radiographic findings and acetabular index (P>0.05). However, they showed a statistically significant difference, with the position of the femoral head (P<0.001), with the US parameters having an excellent negative predictive value of 100% for identifying an abnormal femoral head position.

Conclusion

The current study suggests that US findings evaluated in the first 3 months of life showed no statistically significant difference with radiographic findings evaluated at 1 year of life. The US parameters showed an excellent negative predictive value for abnormal femoral head position on radiographs.

Ultrasound Is an Alternative to X-ray for Diagnosing Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips in 6-Month-Old Children

BACKGROUND

Infants previously treated for developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH) are routinely imaged with ultrasound initially and reimaged with an anteroposterior (AP) pelvis X-ray at 6 months of age to assess for dysplasia. It has become convention to transition from ultrasound to AP X-ray at 6 months of age, but no study has demonstrated that ultrasound is inadequate at this age.

QUESTION/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to confirm that ultrasound for the 6-month DDH evaluation is a feasible alternative to the standard X-ray.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-one 5- to 7-month-old infants undergoing AP pelvis X-ray related to previous Pavlik harness treatment for DDH or to a history of breech presentation were prospectively enrolled. All patients were imaged with an AP pelvis X-ray and bilateral hip ultrasounds. Three senior orthopedic surgeons unfamiliar with the patient histories evaluated both types of imaging for standard measures of hip dysplasia, including acetabular index (AI), alpha angle, and bony rim percent coverage of the femoral head. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for the X-ray and ultrasound measures.

RESULTS

Good quality ultrasound images were obtained in all patients, despite the presence of the ossific nucleus in 66% of the hips. All three reviewers correctly diagnosed the one dislocated hip via both X-ray and ultrasound. There were no false negatives on ultrasound, and none of the patients with negative ultrasounds required treatment during the mean 26 months of follow up. An increased AI on X-ray was correlated with lower percent coverage of the femoral head on ultrasound.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound is a technically feasible DDH imaging modality that can be used as an alternative to X-ray for 6-month-olds.

Does Late Hip Dysplasia Occur After Normal Ultrasound Screening in Breech Babies?

BACKGROUND

Recent literature has raised concern regarding the occurrence of late dysplasia after normal screening in breech babies. One paper states a late dysplasia incidence of 29%. This finding is in contrast with other published work, which suggests breech presentation is predictive of spontaneous stabilization of the unstable neonatal hip. We decided to identify the rate of late dysplasia after normal screening in our patient cohort and also to investigate the use of a prophylactic abduction diaper.

METHODS

During the study period of December 2012 to June 2014, breech babies referred to the screening program at our institution were identified. Ninety babies were prospectively enrolled into the study and randomized to either the observational arm or prophylactic treatment with the Healthy Hip Diaper (HALO, Minnetonka, MN). All babies had a normal initial clinical examination and ultrasound. Regular follow-up including clinical and ultrasound examination was undertaken culminating in pelvic x-rays performed at 13±1 months. A total of 63% of patients elected against their randomization to prophylactic treatment, 28% opted for prophylactic treatment against their randomization to observation only, meaning a total of 40% of babies proceeded against their initial randomization. In total, 75% of recruited babies completed follow-up. Dysplasia was defined as an acetabular index >2 SD from the mean sex, age, and side-specific values.

RESULTS

The overall rate of radiographic dysplasia at 13 months was 7.4%. The rate was 5% in those using a Healthy Hip Diaper and 8.3% in those under observation only. This was not a statistically significant difference. Two patients required operative intervention, one requiring capsulorraphy with acetabuloplasty, the other requiring an arthrogram. Overall compliance with the abduction diaper was low.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that late radiographic dysplasia does occur after normal clinical and ultrasound screening in breech babies, although not to the same extent as recently published data. We cannot recommend prophylactic abduction devices for breech babies who have a normal hip ultrasound at 6 weeks of age. Consideration must be given to further clinical and radiographic follow-up for hip dysplasia when the risk factor of breech presentation is present.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-prospective comparative trial.

Graf Type-IV Hips Have a Higher Risk of Residual Acetabular Dysplasia at 1 Year of Age Following Successful Pavlik Harness Treatment for Developmental Hip Dysplasia

BACKGROUND

We asked whether patient-specific factors and ultrasound (US) measurements of hip dysplasia severity at initial examination influence short-term residual acetabular dysplasia in patients successfully treated with Pavlik harness for developmental hip dysplasia.

METHODS

After IRB approval, 134 hips (84 patients) successfully treated by the Pavlik method between August 2011 and October 2014 with follow-up at 12 months of age were identified. Early successful treatment was defined as normal examination and US after approximately 12 weeks of Pavlik treatment. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with acetabular index (AI) measurements at 12 months as well as factors associated with an increase in AI between the 6- and 12-month timepoints (dysplastic progression).

RESULTS

The study consisted of 134 hips (84 patients). The distribution of dysplastic, Barlow, and Ortolani hips was 44.8% (N=60), 30.6% (N=41), and 24.6% (N=33), respectively. The crude incidence of residual dysplasia at the 6-month visit (AI>30 degrees) was 11.7% (12/102). The incidence of residual dysplasia at the 12-month visit (AI>28 degrees) was 11.8% (13/111). Graf type was the only variable associated with AI values at the 12-month visit (mean difference: Graf type-IV-Other, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-4.9; P=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of residual acetabular dysplasia after normal hip US following Pavlik treatment is not negligible. Radiographic surveillance is warranted to monitor and screen for dysplasia progression. Patients with dislocated Graf type-IV hips at diagnosis are at increased risk of residual acetabular dysplasia at 1 year after successful treatment with the Pavlik method.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-therapeutic study.

Late acetabular dysplasia after successful treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip using the Pavlik method: A systematic literature review

The Pavlik method is the most common method used for treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Late acetabular dysplasia despite successful treatment, however, has had varied reporting. A systematic review was performed, investigating the long-term outcomes of DDH treated with the Pavlik method. Seventeen studies met inclusionary criteria, including 6029 hips treated with an average of 5.29 years follow-up. Radiographic evidence of late dysplasia was present in 280 hips, with 109 hips requiring additional surgery. A specified treatment algorithm had significantly decreased rates of radiographic dysplasia (3.8% vs 17.6%, p = 0.004).

Level of evidence

IV.

Poorer radiological outcome after delayed diagnosis and treatment in human position in Fettweis plaster cast in 93 unstable hip joints type D, III and IV according to Graf

PURPOSE

In this study the course of unstable hips after successful treatment with Fettweis plaster of Paris (POP) is examined. Special focus will be given to age at beginning of treatment and initial hip type.

METHODS

The development of 93 unstable hips treated between November 2001 and April 2015 was examined. Inclusion criteria were: 1) unstable hips with successful treatment with Fettweis POP; 2) presence of two pelvic radiographs (12 to 24 months and 24 to 48 months). We analyzed: 1) the initial ultrasound hip type according to Graf; 2) the average age at first and second radiograph; 3) the Tönnis classification: normal findings (< 1 SD), slightly (1 SD to 2 SD) and severely dysplastic hips (> 2 SD).

RESULTS

In all, there were 14 hips type D, 41 hips type III and 38 hips type IV. Mean age of the first radiograph was 13.9 months and of the second 28.5 months. The first radiograph showed: (< 1 SD): 36, (1 SD to 2 SD): 34, (> 2 SD): 23 hips, the second radiograph: (< 1 SD): 33, (1 SD to 2 SD): 19, (> 2 SD): 30 hips. With subdivision at the start of treatment at age eight or fewer weeks 2/16 hips (12.5%) and with initiation of the treatment more than eight weeks 22/77 (26.0%) deteriorated. During the course between first and second radiograph a total of 35.7% of initial hip type D, 19.5% of type III and 23.7% of type IV deteriorated.

CONCLUSION

Radiograph controls after treatment with Fettweis POP show poorer outcome after delaying the start of treatment more than 8 weeks. These findings were independent of the initial ultrasound hip type. Regular radiograph controls of all hip types treated for unstable hips are justified to detect residual dysplasia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Development of unstable hips after treatment with the Tübingen splint: mid-term follow-up of 83 hip joints

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia are widely accepted as major factors for beneficial outcome. However, modalities for reduction and retention as well as for imaging are currently under clinical investigation. Local and general risk factors, e.g., breech presentation and the family's desire to avoid in-hospital treatment are major concerns in the decision-making process and consultation. For treatment of unstable hips in newborns the treatment with the Tübingen splint has proven good results in recent studies. However, mid- and long-term outcome studies are missing. We report on clinical results and X-ray parameter of initially unstable hips after treatment with the Tübingen splint at two time points: 12-24 and 24-48 months of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Included were newborns with 83 unstable hips (type D, III, IV according to Graf) which were successfully treated with the Tübingen splint-used as reduction splint 24 h per day/7 days per week-until type I hips were documented by ultrasound examination. Measurments are based on routine pelvic X-ray control at the age of 12-24 and 24-48 months. The acetabular angle was determined and according to the Tönnis-Classification evaluated into: normal findings (< 1 s), slightly dysplastic findings (1-2 s) and severely dysplastic findings (> 2 s). Children with secondary hip dysplasia were not included in this series.

RESULTS

In 2nd year of life, 45 hips (54.2%; initial hip type D: 47.4%, III: 63.2%, IV: 42.9%) of the formerly unstable hips show normal X-ray findings. Although final ultrasound showed normal findings, at this time point 28 hips (33.7%; initial hip type D: 34.2%, III: 31.6%, IV: 42.9%) were slightly dysplastic and 10 (12.0%%; initial hip type D: 18.4%, III: 5.3%, IV: 14.3%) still severely dysplastic. At the age of 24-48 months, the percentage of radiologic normal hips had increased to 61 hips (73.5%; initial hip type D: 68.4%, III: 81.6%, IV: 57.1%), the number of slightly (19 hips) and severely dysplastic (3 hips) hips had decreased 22.9% (initial hip type D: 28.9%, III: 15.8%, IV: 28.6%) respectively 3.6% (initial hip type D: 2.6%, III: 2.6%, IV: 14.3%). At this time no operative intervention was neccessary.

CONCLUSIONS

Our mid-term data show on the one hand a good development of unstable hips after successful treatment with the Tübingen splint. On the other hand despite successful therapy and normal ultrasound findings at the end of treatment further imaging by X-ray are mandatory to close follow-up and to detect those which might need surgical correction of residual dysplasia.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: an update on diagnosis and management from birth to 6 months

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is evolving. This review focuses on the most up-to-date literature on DDH in patients from birth to six months of age.

RECENT FINDINGS

Well known risk factors for DDH include family history, female sex, and breech positioning. Recent evidence suggests higher birth weight is a risk, whereas prematurity may be protective. Screening includes physical examination of all infant hips and imaging when abnormal findings or risk factors are present. Treatment in the first six months consists of a harness, with 70-95% success. Failure risk factors include femoral nerve palsy, static bracing, irreducible hips, initiation after seven weeks of age, right hip dislocation, Graf-IV hips, and male sex. Rigid bracing may be trialed if reduction with a harness fails and closed reduction is indicated after failed bracing. If the hip is still irreducible, nonconcentric, or unstable, open reduction may be required following closed reduction. Evidence does not support delaying hip reduction until the ossific nucleus is present.

SUMMARY

DDH affects 1-7% of infants. All infants should be examined and selective screening with imaging should be performed for abnormal physical exams or risk factors. Early treatment is associated with optimal outcomes.

Automatic Evaluation of Scan Adequacy and Dysplasia Metrics in 2-D Ultrasound Images of the Neonatal Hip

Ultrasound (US) imaging of an infant's hip joint is widely used for early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip. In current US-based diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip, trained clinicians acquire US images and, if they judge them to be adequate (i.e., to contain relevant hip joint structures), analyze them manually to extract clinically useful dysplasia metrics. However, both the scan adequacy classification and dysplasia metrics extraction steps exhibit significant variability within and between both clinicians and institutions, which can result in significant over- and undertreatment rates. To reduce the subjectivity resulting from this variability, we propose a computational image analysis technique that automatically identifies adequate images and subsequently extracts dysplasia metrics from these 2-D US images. Our automatic method uses local phase symmetry-based image measures to robustly identify intensity-invariant geometric features of bone/cartilage boundaries from the US images. Using the extracted geometric features, we trained a random forest classifier to classify images as adequate or inadequate, and in the adequate images we used a subset of the geometric features to calculate key dysplasia metrics. We validated our method on a data set of 693 US scans collected from 35 infants. Our approach produces excellent agreement with clinician adequacy classifications (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.985) and in reducing variability in the measured developmental dysplasia of the hip metrics (p < 0.05). The automatically computed dysplasia metrics appear to be slightly biased toward higher Graf categories than the manually estimated metrics, which could potentially reduce missed early diagnoses.

Ultrasound Examination for Infants Born Breech by Elective Cesarean Section With a Normal Hip Exam for Instability

INTRODUCTION

Because of the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants born breech-despite a normal physical exam-the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommend ultrasound (US) hip imaging at 6 weeks of age for breech females and optional imaging for breech males. The purpose of this study is to report US results and follow-up of infants born breech with a normal physical exam.

METHODS

The electronic medical record for children born at 1 hospital from 2008 to 2011 was reviewed. Data were analyzed for sex, birth weight, breech position, birth order, ethnicity, US and x-ray results, follow-up, and cost.

RESULTS

A total of 237 infants were born breech with a normal physical examination, all delivered by cesarean section. Of the infants, 55% were male and 45% female. About 151 breech infants (64%) with a normal Barlow and Ortolani exam had a precautionary hip US as recommended by the AAP performed at an average of 7 weeks of age. Eighty-six breech infants (35%) did not have an US and were followed clinically. Of the 151 infants that had an US, 140 (93%) were read as normal. None had a dislocated hip. Two patients had a normal physical exam but laxity on US. These 2 patients were the only infants treated in a Pavlik harness. A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon followed those with subtle US findings and no laxity until normal.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision by the AAP to recommend US screening at 6 weeks of age for infants with a normal physical exam but breech position was based on an extensive literature review and expert opinion. Not all pediatricians are following the AAP guidelines. The decision to perform an US should be done on a case-by-case basis by the examining physician. A more practical, cost-effective strategy would be to skip the US if the physical exam is normal and simply obtain an AP pelvis x-ray at 4 months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-this is a case-control study investigating the outcomes of infants on data drawn from the electronic medical record.

Hip dysplasia in the young adult caused by residual childhood and adolescent-onset dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a treatable developmental disorder that presents early in life but if neglected can lead to chronic disability due to pain, decreased function, and early osteoarthritis. The main causes of hip dysplasia in the young adult are residual childhood developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and adolescent-onset acetabular dysplasia. These two distinct disease processes affect the growing hip during different times of development but result in a similar deformity and pathomechanism of hip degeneration. Routine screening for DDH and counseling regarding risks for acetabular dysplasia in families with a history of early hip osteoarthritis may allow early identification and intervention in these hips with anatomical risk factors for joint degeneration.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: What has changed in the last 20 years?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes the spectrum of structural abnormalities that involve the growing hip. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to provide the best possible functional outcome. Persistence of hip dysplasia into adolescence and adulthood may result in abnormal gait, decreased strength and increased rate of degenerative hip and knee joint disease. Despite efforts to recognize and treat all cases of DDH soon after birth, diagnosis is delayed in some children, and outcomes deteriorate with increasing delay of presentation. Different screening programs for DDH were implicated. The suspicion is raised based on a physical examination soon after birth. Radiography and ultrasonography are used to confirm the diagnosis. The role of other imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, is still undetermined; however, extensive research is underway on this subject. Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the reducibility of the hip joint. At an early age and up to 6 mo, the main treatment is an abduction brace like the Pavlik harness. If this fails, closed reduction and spica casting is usually done. After the age of 18 mo, treatment usually consists of open reduction and hip reconstruction surgery. Various treatment protocols have been proposed. We summarize the current practice for detection and treatment of DDH, emphasizing updates in screening and treatment during the last two decades.