Recommendations for early diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): working group intersociety consensus document

Plasma metabolomics signatures of developmental dysplasia of the hip in Tibet plateau

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common childhood health complaint, whose etiology is multifactorial. The incidence of DDH is variable and higher in Tibet plateau. Here, we collected plasma samples and studied the metabolomics signatures of DDH.

METHODS

Fifty babies were enrolled: 25 with DDH and 25 age-matched non-DDH healthy controls (HC group). We collected plasma samples, laboratory parameters and conducted untargeted metabolomics profiling.

RESULTS

There are many differential metabolites among patients with DDH, including 4-β-hydroxymethyl-4-α-methyl-5-α-cholest-7-en-3-beta-ol, β-cryptoxanthin, α-tocopherol, taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyloxy)-4,6-dihydroxybenzoate, arabinosylhypoxanthine, leucyl-hydroxyproline, hypoxanthine. The main differential metabolic pathways focused on primary bile acid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, histidine metabolism, purine metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of metabolomics profile in babies with DHH. By combining the α-tocopherol and taurocholic acid, we could achieve the differential diagnosis of DDH.

Incidence of risk factors in developmental dysplasia of the hip: a retrospective study on 18,954 cases

BACKGROUND

DDH is 1 of the most important causes of childhood disability. A diagnosis of instability can be made in the neonatal period via the Ortolani and Barlow manoeuvres. However, clinical examination, although highly specific, has poor sensitivity as compared to ultrasound. There is controversy between the necessity of universal screening for dysplasia of all newborns or selective screening reserved for those with clinical signs of instability or known risk factors of DDH.

AIM

To analyse the risk factors of congenital hip dysplasia in a consecutive case series of children referred for diagnosis and treatment of DDH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study on infants consecutively examined between January 2000 and December 2019 at the Marino Ortolani Centre in Ferrara, Italy. The first 3 types on Graf's classification were considered physiological (1A, 1B, 2A+), while the last 6 pathological (2A-, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3, 4).

RESULTS

18,954 infants met the inclusion criteria and were therefore considered eligible for the study. Of these 18,954 infants, 56% (n = 10,629) were females and 44% (n = 8325) were males. According to Graf classification, 34.9% (n = 6621) were 1A, 52.7% (n = 9999) were 1B, 4.0% (n = 753) were 2A+, 2.5% (n = 478) were 2A-, 1.5% (n = 284) were 2B, 1% (n = 196) were 2C, 1.3% (n = 243) were 2D, 1% (n = 193) were 3 and 1.0% (n = 187) were 4. The most significant risk factor was the female gender (OR 5.36; 95% CI, 4.63-6.20) followed by a family history (OR 2.35; 95% CI, 2.08-2.65), then skeletal pathologies (OR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.21-3.42), oligohydramnios (OR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.44-2.13), and finally breech presentation (OR 1.42: 95% CI, 1.27-1.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our data, family history, musculoskeletal disease, oligohydramnios and breech presentation are the main risk factors for DDH development, as is the female sex.

Treatment of developmental hip dysplasia with manual therapy following Pavlik harness failure: a case report with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in newborns, ranging from mild dysplasia to complete dislocation. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing DDH. However, in some cases, standard orthopedic treatments such as the Pavlik harness fail, and alternative approaches are needed. Our study explores the possibility that manual therapy, specifically the Mézières-Bertelè Method (MBM), could be beneficial in cases of DDH that are resistant to conventional treatments.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of a 20-month-old female who had been suffering from persistent DDH (Graf's type IIIC on the left), pain and limping, despite previous conventional treatments, including the Pavlik harness. The patient received daily MBM sessions for six months, followed by maintenance sessions every two months.

OUTCOMES

After undergoing the MBM treatment, the patient showed clinical improvements, such as normal neuromotor development and restored hip joint parameters. We observed normal walking and running abilities, and X-ray parameters returned to normal levels. The patient sustained positive outcomes during long-term follow-up until the age of 7.

CONCLUSION

The MBM manual therapy was used to treat a challenging case of DDH resistant to conventional treatment. This case report suggests a possible correlation between manual therapy and improved outcomes in resistant DDH and highlights the potential relevance of addressing the inherent musculoskeletal components of the condition.

Community Awareness About Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in the Western and Southern Regions of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a disorder in which the hip joint does not develop normally in the pediatric age group. It is caused by a confluence of hereditary and environmental factors. We aimed to examine knowledge and awareness of DDH among the general population of the southern and western regions of Saudi Arabia.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in the western and southern regions of Saudi Arabia. This study included adult male and female participants above 18 years of age. Data were collected using a validated electronic questionnaire that was disseminated via social media platforms. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

In this study, 1,232 participants were surveyed in Saudi Arabia. The majority were between 21 and 30 years old (663, 53.8%), unmarried (690, 56%), and had a baccalaureate or diploma certificate (886, 71.9%). Regarding knowledge of DDH, 86.4% of participants had poor knowledge of the causes of DDH, and 740 (60%) had poor overall knowledge of DDH. However, 492 (40%) participants had good knowledge. Respondents with a higher monthly income, those who were mothers, and those who obtained information from social media had a better awareness level. Concerning treatment, 531 (43.1%) participants were unsure about the best treatment for DDH, and 850 (69%) believed that early treatment was better.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our literature, DDH is highly prevalent among Saudi populations. However, our findings indicate that the majority of the Saudi population residing in the western and southern regions of Saudi Arabia lacks basic knowledge of DDH. All capable facilities, such as medical schools, hospitals, and primary healthcare centers, must impart cultural education about DDH to address this awareness gap.

Incidence, Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Treatment for Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Saudi Arabia. A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) leads to pain, joint instability, and early degenerative joint disease. Incidence, prevalence, and management strategies of DDH have been well-documented in several countries, but not in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

We synthesized the current evidence regarding incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and clinical treatment for children with DDH in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

We searched 3 databases to locate studies. Studies that included children with DDH in Saudi Arabia; reported either incidence rate, prevalence, risk factors, and/or clinical practice; and were available in English or Arabic were included. We excluded reviews, case studies, or animal studies. Two independent authors reviewed potential studies and assessed study's quality.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 67 potential studies, of which 16 studies were included (total DDH sample = 3,127; age range = 2.5 to 86.4 months). Three studies reported incidence rates ranging from 3.1 to 4.9 per 1000 births, and 3 studies reported prevalence ranging from 6 to 78%. Nine studies reported that female sex, breech position, family history, and age less than 3 years were risk factors associated with DDH. Four studies reported that brace applications and closed reduction were conservative treatments, and 9 studies reported that open hip reduction, adductor tenotomy, and/or pelvic osteotomy were surgical approaches to treat DDH.

CONCLUSIONS

In Saudi Arabia, the Incidence and prevalence rates of DDH are 3.1 to 4.9 per 1,000 births, and 6-78%, respectively (differ from what has been reported in other countries), but the risk factors of DDH in Saudi Arabia appear to be similar in comparison to other countries (female, breech presentation, family history of DDH).

Screening of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Europe: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a prevalent orthopaedic disorder in children, and screening methods vary across regions due to local health policies. The purpose of this review is to systematise the different ultrasound screening strategies for detecting DDH in newborns in Europe.

METHODS

Eligible studies from the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, published between 1 January 2018 and 18 March 2023, were included. The inclusion criteria specified a European origin, a focus on newborn human patients, and information on ultrasound for DDH detection.

RESULTS

In total, 45 studies were included, covering 18 countries. Among them, six nations (Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Germany) perform universal ultrasound screening. The timing of the first ultrasound varies, with Austria and the Czech Republic within the 1st week, Bosnia and Herzegovina on the day of birth, Poland between 1 and 12 weeks, and Germany before the 6th week. The Graf method is the most popular ultrasound technique used.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no consensus on the optimal DDH detection approach in Europe. Varied screening methods stem from epidemiological, cultural, and economic differences among countries.

Developing an Educational Program for Ultrasound Hip Screening during Newborn and Infant Home Visits: A Protocol Paper

Ultrasound hip screening is suitable for the early identification of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Newborn and infant home visits are good opportunities for hip screening in the community, but studies focusing on nurse-led screenings are lacking. Based on a pre-post design, this study aims to develop and evaluate an ultrasound training program to improve nurses' assessment skills in detecting DDH cases during newborn and infant home visits. Said educational program will include e-learning, hands-on seminars, and clinical training. The primary outcome will be the success rate of imaging standard planes (standardized images for hip assessment) in clinical training. The secondary outcomes will include knowledge test results, objective structured clinical examination scores, time required for imaging, and inter-rater reliability between nurses and physicians. The educational program will address the issue of missed and late detection of DDH cases in resource-limited communities. This study will demonstrate the feasibility of procedures and the effectiveness of the educational program in 2024. The protocol was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry before starting the study (no. UMIN000051929, 16 August 2023).

Acetabular index as an indicator of Pavlik harness success in grade I developmental dysplasia of the hip: A retrospective study

Purpose

Some articles have focused on the effectiveness of the Pavlik harness treatment for unstable and dislocated hips, yet data on monitoring its effectiveness with the acetabular index remains elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Pavlik harness effectiveness in infants ≤6 months diagnosed with grade I developmental dysplasia of the hip using acetabular index improvement and identify the possible predictors of successful Pavlik harness treatment.

Methods

A retrospective review of infants with grade I acetabular dysplasia treated with a Pavlik harness and monitored with anteroposterior pelvis X-rays at presentation and follow-up. Successful treatment was defined as achieving an acetabular index <30°.

Results

A total of 231 infants with acetabular dysplasia were treated with a Pavlik harness. A successful outcome was achieved in 135 infants (58.4%). Younger age, lower initial acetabular index, and patients with unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip were significant predictors of a successful outcome. An age of 4.5 months or older was found to be the threshold for an unsuccessful result following Pavlik harness treatment, with a sensitivity of 65.2% and specificity of 57.3%. An initial acetabular index of 35.5° was found to be the threshold for an unsuccessful result, with a sensitivity of 83.7% and specificity of 61.5%.

Conclusion

Pavlik Harness's success in correcting the acetabular index in acetabular dysplasia patients was related to unilateral cases, a younger age at presentation, and a lower initial acetabular index. The thresholds for unsuccessful treatment were an age of 4.5 months or greater and an acetabular index of 35.5° or higher.

Community-Based Hip Screening for Up to Four-Month-Old Infants and Health Guidance for Their Caregivers in Japan: A Nation-Wide Survey

Early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children is crucial. Due to COVID-19, maternal and child health services have been suspended temporarily, increasing the risk of late detection of DDH. This study aimed to reveal Japan's current situation regarding community hip screening for newborns and infants and to provide health guidance for caregivers regarding DDH. A web-based, nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and March 2023 (n = 1737). One public health nurse overseeing maternal and child health per municipality responded to the 2022 municipality hip screening system. Among the 436 municipalities that responded (response rate: 25.1%), 97.5% implemented hip screening within 4 months, and approximately 60% performed it during newborn home visits, while only 2.3% conducted hip ultrasound screening. Perfect checking of the risk factors for DDH during newborn home visits and training opportunities for home visitors must be improved. Educational programs regarding DDH for home visitors and caregivers are needed to prevent the late diagnosis of DDH. Furthermore, collaboration between pediatric orthopedic surgeons and nurses is crucial for developing effective community-based hip-screening systems by bridging the evidence and practice gap in the early detection of DDH.

A Novel Technique for Autograft Preparation Using Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI) Assistance in Total Hip Arthroplasty in Developmental Dysplasia of Hip (DDH)

Due to the change in the structure of the proximal femur and acetabulum in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip, total hip arthroplasty (THA) was difficult to perform for surgeons. To elevate the acetabular coverage rate, we developed a technique in the use of a patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) graft in patients with developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) undergoing surgery. This study aims to evaluate the peri-operative outcomes of THA with PSI graft in patients with DDH. This study recruited 6 patients suffering from Crowe I DDH with secondary Grade IV osteoarthritis. All the patients underwent THA with PSI graft performed by a well-experienced surgeon. Perioperative outcomes included surgical procedures, blood loss during operation, the volume of blood transfusion, length of hospitalization, complications, and the mean difference in hemoglobin levels before and after surgery. All the outcomes analyzed were assessed by mean and standard deviation. The average duration of the surgical procedure was found to be 221.17 min, with an SD of 19.65 min. The mean blood loss during the operation was 733.33 mL, with an SD of 355.90 mL. The mean length of hospital stay was calculated to be 6 days, with an SD of 0.89 days. Furthermore, the mean difference between the pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels was 2.15, with an SD of 0.99. A total of three patients received 2 units of leukocyte-poor red blood cells (LPR) as an accepted blood transfusion. There were no reported complications observed during the admission and one month after the operation. This study reported the peri-operative outcomes in the patients with DDH who underwent THA with PSI graft. We found that THA with PSI graft would provide a safe procedure without significant complications. We assumed that the PSI graft in THA may increase the coverage rate of the acetabulum, which may increase the graft union rates. Further cohort studies and randomized controlled trials were needed to confirm our findings.

Treatment perspective after failed open reduction of congenital hip dislocation. A systematic review

Background

Failure of open reduction of developmental hip dislocation is a serious complication and revision surgery appear to be technically demanding with high complication rates. Little attention has been given in literature to patients in whom open reduction of developmental hip dislocation has failed. We present a systematic review about current perspectives and timing when to perform surgical revision after failed open reduction of developmental hip dislocation in children.

Methods

Following the recommendations of the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) statements we performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed and Google Scholar bibliographic database in order to select all studies published between 1980 and 2022. Studies were screened for the reasons for failure of open reduction, timing when revision surgery was performed, and for the surgical techniques used for revision.

Results

A total of 10 articles including 252 patients and 268 hips has been recorded. The most common causes of re-dislocation after open reduction are inadequate exposure and failure to release the obstructing soft tissues inside and around the hip. In 90% of the cases the anterolateral approach was performed for revision surgery. Avascular necrosis occurred in 5%-67% of cases and was the most encountered complication.

Conclusion

Redislocation of developmental hip dislocation after an open reduction has poor long-term outcomes mainly due to a high rate of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. It is mandatory to obtain a stable reduction at the second surgery combining soft tissue release, capsulorrhaphy, pelvic and femoral osteotomies.

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.

The Impact of Maternal Age and Educational Level on Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Diagnosis and Screening: A Descriptive Comparative Study

Background

Early and proper screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is very critical to prevent catastrophic complication on the developing hip joint. Many factors (either maternal or child-related) that hinder timely DDH screening have been previously investigated.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted. 175 babies presented for DDH screening coming with their mothers were investigated. Maternal age, age group, and educational level were recorded. In addition, multiple child-related variables such as age of screening, gender, positive family history, preterm delivery, and mode of delivery were recorded as well. Analysis for association between delayed vs. early screening was made against the maternal and the child-related variables.

Results

A total number of 175 children with their mothers were investigated. The mean maternal age was 27.9 years, about one third of the mothers had a graduate level of education (36.3%), while 41.1% had high school education, and 22.3% had middle school education. On the other hand, 40.0% of the investigated babies were first born and two thirds of our sample babies were females (66.9%). Of the included babies, 100 (57.1%) were screened at the appropriate 4-month age, while 75 (42.9%) missed the 4-month screening. Chi-square analysis showed that delayed DDH screening was associated with a lower maternal educational level (P ≤ 0.001), younger maternal age (P ≤ 0.001), and first born baby (P ≤ 0.001). Positive family history was protective against delayed DDH screening (P = 0.032).

Conclusion

The lower maternal educational level, younger maternal age group, and first born babies are risk factors for delayed DDH screening.

Postsurgical Analysis of Gait, Radiological, and Functional Outcomes in Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

BACKGROUND

Children undergoing DDH correction surgery may experience gait abnormalities following soft tissue releases and bony procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the residual gait changes, radiological outcomes, and functional outcomes in children who underwent DDH surgery with those in healthy controls.

METHODS

Inertial motion sensors were used to record the gait of 14 children with DDH and 14 healthy children. Pelvic X-ray was performed to determine the Severin classification and the presence of femoral head osteonecrosis (Bucholz-Odgen classification). For functional evaluation, the Children's Hospital Oakland Hip Evaluation Scale (CHOHES) was used.

RESULTS

There was no difference in spatial parameters between the two groups. In terms of temporal parameters, the DDH-affected limbs had a shorter stance phase (p < 0.001) and a longer swing phase (p < 0.001) than the control group. The kinematic study showed that the affected limb group had smaller hip adduction angle (p = 0.002) and increased internal rotation (p = 0.006) with reduced upward pelvic tilt (p = 0.020). Osteonecrosis was graded II, III, and IV in five, three, and one patients, respectively. Five patients had no AVN changes. The Severin classification was grade I, II, and III for six, three, and five patients, respectively. Most patients had good functional outcomes on the CHOHES, with a mean total score of 96.64 ± 5.719. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that weight, height, and femoral osteotomy were independent predictors for gait, radiological and functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

Despite good functional scores overall, some children had poor radiological outcomes and gait abnormalities. Our results identified the risk factors for poor outcomes, and we recommend specified rehabilitative strategies for long-term management.

Progress in screening strategies for neonatal developmental dysplasia of the hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common congenital disease of the musculoskeletal system in newborns and encompasses a disease spectrum ranging from a stable hip with a mildly dysplastic acetabulum to complete hip dislocation. Systematic screening for infant DDH has been performed for several decades all over the world and has contributed greatly to the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of DDH. However, some cases of delayed diagnosis still occur among the screened population, or conversely, overdiagnosis or overtreatment occasionally occurs. Furthermore, screening strategies for DDH are still controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze the current literature on DDH screening, paying particular attention to DDH screening strategies and their effectiveness. We searched the DDH screening literature from 1958 to 2021 in MEDLINE and other databases using PubMed. In this study, we reviewed the history of DDH screening and the progress of screening strategies and discussed the controversies regarding clinical and ultrasound screening methods with particular emphasis on the current opinions. Given the existing scientific evidence and changes in newborn DDH screening practices, universal ultrasound screening seems to be the best option for preventing late-detected cases and can be recommended as a favorable prevention strategy.

Factors for selective ultrasound screening in newborns with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

Background

Hip ultrasound screening for DDH provides better sensitivity compared to physical examination. Due to a lower prevalence and limited resources, selective hip ultrasound in newborns at risk could be considered a proper screening protocol in Thailand and Asian countries.

Objective

This study was aimed to evaluate risk factors and define criteria for selective screening.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in 2020. All newborns with hip ultrasound screening were included. Cases were defined as newborns with abnormal hip ultrasounds, while controls were those with normal studies. Inter and intra-rater reliability were evaluated. All factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The model performance was tested by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit. Internal validity was performed by the split data method. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was estimated.

Results

Ninety-five newborns (29 cases and 66 controls) were included. Eighty percent of cases and 58% of controls were female. The gestational age was 36.6 and 37.7 weeks in case and control, respectively. Female, breech presentation, positive Ortolani test, positive Barlow test, and limited hip abduction were significant factors with odds ratio of 2.82, 5.12, 34.21, 69.64, and 5.48, respectively. The final model included breech presentation, positive Ortolani test, and positive Barlow test. The model cut-off value 15.02 provided sensitivity (93.10%) and specificity were (80.30%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.9308. The split data remained significant internal validity for all factors with p-value &lt; 0.05.

Conclusion

Careful history taking and physical examination are essential to identify the risk factors for DDH. Newborns with breech presentation, positive Ortolani test and positive Barlow test should be screened by hip ultrasound.

Impact of Multiple Factors on the Incidence of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Risk Assessment Tool

Background and Objectives: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in children. If not treated, it leads to disability, gait abnormalities, limb shortening, and chronic pain. Our study aims to determine the impact of multiple risk factors on the incidence of DDH and to develop an interactive risk assessment tool. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Outpatient Clinic for Children of the Medical University of Warsaw Hospital. The Graf classification system was used for universal ultrasonographic screening. In total, 3102 infants met the eligibility criteria. Results: The incidence of DDH in the study group was 4.45%. The incidence of DDH in the Warsaw population, Poland, during the study period was 3.73 to 5.17 (95% CI). According to the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for DDH were birth weight (OR = 2.17 (1.41−3.32)), week of delivery (OR = 1.18 (1.00−1.37)), female sex (OR = 8.16 (4.86−13.71)), breech presentation (OR = 5.92 (3.37−10.40)), physical signs of DDH (25.28 (8.77−72.83)) and positive family history in siblings (5.74 (2.68−12.31)). Our results support the recent hypothesis that preterm infants (<37 weeks) have a lower rate of DDH. Conclusions: A multivariate logistic regression predictive model was used to build the risk calculator. The DDH risk calculator will be evaluated in a prospective validation study.

Can Medialization of Acetabular Rim Be a Prognostic Factor in Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of Hip?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if acetabular rim medialization (ARM) can be used as a new parameter in determining the treatment choice and duration in Graf type III and IV hips.

METHODS

Among the 12,300 infants who underwent hip ultrasound (US) according to Graf's method between 2015 and 2019, 26 infants (9 had bilateral pathology hence 35 hips) with type III and IV hips, whose follow-up data could be obtained were included in the study. Age of the infants at the initial diagnosis, ARM measurement, the duration of harness treatment, and the treatment results were noted. To determine the extent of ARM, distance between a line that is drawn tangential to the iliac wing and acetabular rim was measured.

RESULTS

In cases with poor prognosis, ARM measurement was 6 to 8.5 mm on the right hip and 4 to 9 mm on the left hip. Bilaterality or unilaterality, left or right pathology, and gender did not have a significant effect on the prognosis (P >.05). Age at the initial diagnosis and ARM had significant effects on treatment success (P = .04, P = .00, respectively). In predicting the prognosis, ARM was found to be more successful than age (AUC = 0.95 versus AUC = 0.68). When these two variables were evaluated together, the success in predicting the prognosis significantly increased (AUC = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

ARM measurement may have an important role in determining the treatment method and duration in Graf type III and IV hips. It can be used as a prognostic factor alone or in combination with treatment initiation time. When the two factors are combined, prognostic value significantly increases.

Application Value of Combined Diagnosis of Ultrasound, MRI, and X-Ray in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children

Objective

To explore the application value of the combined diagnosis of ultrasound, MRI, and X-ray in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children.

Methods

Ninety children with suspected DDH admitted to our hospital from June 2017 to June 2020 were selected as the research objects to conduct a retrospective study. According to the age of the children, they were divided into a group with 0-6 months (group X), a group with 7-12 months (group Y), and a group older than 12 months (group Z), with 30 cases in each group. X-ray and high-frequency ultrasound were performed in all groups, and MRI examination was added to the children in groups Y and Z to compare the diagnostic value of the three imaging examinations in DDH children.

Results

No obvious differences in the general data and maternal risk factors were observed among the three groups (P < 0.05). The final comprehensive diagnostic results were taken as the gold standard, including 23 cases with acetabular dysplasia, 28 cases with subluxation of the femoral head, 31 cases with complete dislocation of the femoral head, and 8 non-DDH cases. The diagnostic accuracy of the three methods from high to low was MRI, high-frequency ultrasound, and X-ray, with obviously higher diagnostic accuracy of MRI than that of X-ray (P < 0.05). The ROC curves showed that the diagnostic efficacy from high to low was MRI + high-frequency ultrasound + X-ray, high-frequency ultrasound + X-ray, MRI, high-frequency ultrasound, and X-ray.

Conclusion

Ultrasound combined with X-ray has obvious advantages in the diagnosis of children at low months of age, while MRI has outstanding advantages in the diagnosis of children at high months of age. MRI combined with ultrasound and X-ray can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of DDH and provide objective data support for the clinical treatment of children.

Comparison of treatment outcomes of stable and unstable developmental dysplasia of the hip with the Tübingen splint

BACKGROUND

The Tübingen splint was initially developed for the treatment of stable developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). Later on, some authors expanded its include for the treatment of unstable DDH, but there remain some controversies in the literature. This study aims to compare the outcome between stable and unstable DDH treated with a Tübingen splint.

METHODS

Epidemiological data and ultrasonographic data of all infants diagnosed with DDH and initially treated with a Tübingen splint at our institution between May 2017 and February 2020 were assessed retrospectively. We divided the population into stable and unstable hips using the Graf classification. Age at treatment initiation, duration of treatment, complications, and radiological outcome between 12 and 24 months were investigated.

RESULTS

We included a total of 45 patients (57 hips) affected by DDH treated with the Tübingen splint. Treatment has been successful in 93% of stable hips and only 40% of unstable hips. Radiological outcome at 1-year follow-up significantly correlated with initial Graf classification (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Tübingen splint is a safe and effective treatment for stable hips, nevertheless, for unstable hips, closed reduction, and spica cast remains the gold standard.

Developments in pediatrics in 2020: choices in allergy, autoinflammatory disorders, critical care, endocrinology, genetics, infectious diseases, microbiota, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, ortopedics, respiratory tract illnesses and rheumatology

In this article, we describe the advances in the field of pediatrics that have been published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2020. We report progresses in understanding allergy, autoinflammatory disorders, critical care, endocrinology, genetics, infectious diseases, microbiota, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, orthopedics, respiratory tract illnesses, rheumatology in childhood.

Principles of Bracing in the Early Management of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Bracing is considered a gold standard in treating Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in infants under 6 months of age with reducible hips. A variety of braces are available that work on similar principles of limiting hip adduction and extension. This paper summarises the current evidence regarding bracing in DDH. Most of the literature pertains to the Pavlik harness (PH) and there are few studies for other brace types. Bracing eliminates dislocating forces from the hamstrings, the block to reduction of the psoas and improves the muscle line of pull to stabilise the hip joint. Recent studies have shown no benefit in bracing for stable dysplasia. The rates of PH treatment failure in Ortolani-positive hips have been reported to be high. Barlow positive hips have lower Graf grades and are more amenable to PH treatment. There is consensus that the earlier the diagnosis of DDH and initiation of PH treatment, the better the outcome. Failure rates due to unsuccessful reduction and AVN are higher with treatment initiated after age 4-6 months. Studies have shown no benefits of staged weaning of braces. While there is no maximum time in brace, current consensus suggests a minimum of 6 weeks. The key to successful bracing lies in education and communication with the family.

Double Diapering Ineffectiveness in Avoiding Adduction and Extension in Newborns Hips

Hip flexion and abduction is fundamental for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treatment. At present, double diaper treatment has been inappropriately adopted when DDH is suspected. The aim of this study was to verify whether double diapers influence a newborn’s hip position. Here, we studied 50 children (23 female; 27 male; average age 62.33 ± 20.50 days; average birth weight 3230 ± 447 g) with type I hips according to Graf. At the same time of the ultrasound (US) examination, the following hip positions were measured using a manual protractor: (1) spontaneous position, supine on the outpatient bed without a diaper; (2) spontaneous position, with a double diaper; and (3) squatting position on the caretakers’ side. Statistical analysis was performed with a t-test to compare between (1) the spontaneous position without a diaper and with double diapers; (2) the spontaneous position with double diapers as well as the squatting position on the caretakers’ side with a diaper. The comparison between the hip position without diaper and with double diapers was statistically not significant for all measurements, i.e., right hip flexion (p < 0.33), left hip flexion (p < 0.34), and right and left hip abduction (p < 0.87). The comparison between the hip position with double diapers and on the caretakers’ side was statistically significant for all measurements, i.e., right hip flexion (p < 0.001), left hip flexion (p < 0.001) and right and left hip abduction (p < 0.001). We found that the use of double diapers did not affect hip position, while the position formed on the caretaker’s side shows favorable influence.