[The teardrop development after conservative treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the development of the teardrop in children from the time of the initial diagnosis of DDH to skeletal maturity and asses if width, shape and type of teardrop were associated with final results. Anteroposterior pelvis radiographs of sixty eight patients (64 girls and 4 boys) with unilateral dislocation of the hip treated with closed reduction were reviewed retrospectively. The average age of children at the time of initial diagnosis was 13,4 months (range from 5 to 32 months), and at final follow-up minimum 14 years (average 23 years). At the time of initial diagnosis teardrop was seen in 66% normal and 21% dislocated hips. The width of acetabular floor and superior width of teardrop were greater in dislocated hips. Five months after the reduction and at the age of 6 to 8 years teardrop was observed with similar frequency in both groups. In treated hips widening of acetabular floor and superior part of teardrop was still present. The V shape was detected more often in primary dislocated hips at the age of 6 to 8 years and these hips were usually classified as fair or poor according to Severin class at skeletal maturity. There was no relationship between the type of teardrop and the final results. The continued presence of V shaped teardrop, widening of superior width of the teardrop and thickening of the acetabular floor are suggestive of residual dysplasia.