Hip subluxation and dislocation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Although hip subluxation and dislocation occur commonly in neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy and myelomeningocele, they are not known to commonly affect patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In this study, 15 out of 54 patients whose hip radiographs were reviewed showed unilateral subluxation, one had bilateral subluxation and three had unilateral dislocation. Having established that hip subluxation and dislocation develop frequently in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, serial hip radiographs should be taken as has been advocated for cerebral palsy. The possible relationship between subluxation and pelvic tilt also calls for better control of sitting posture to prevent pelvic tilt. Spinal stabilization should be carried out at an early age when any scoliosis and pelvic tilt are still mild, so that progressive subluxation of the hip may be delayed or prevented, in addition to maintaining sitting balance and comfort.