Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Congenital hip instability in hospital born neonates in Abha
1Division of Orthopedics, Department of Surgery, and Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Saud University-Abha Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Congenital hip instability was found in 3.6% of newborns in Abha, Saudi Arabia, a higher rate than globally reported. Early neonatal screening is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital hip instability (CHI) is a condition affecting newborns.
- Previous studies have indicated varying incidence rates globally.
- Regional variations in CHI incidence may exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of congenital hip instability in Abha, Saudi Arabia.
- To identify risk factors associated with CHI in the local population.
- To compare findings with international data.
Main Methods:
- Prospective screening of 2222 live hospital births over ten months.
- Clinical examination for hip instability within 48 hours of delivery.
- Data collection on demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- An incidence of 3.6% for congenital hip instability was observed.
- Higher incidence noted in female infants, the local Saudi population, and those with a family history.
- Bilateral instability occurred in 32%, with left lateral dominance.
- Increased incidence in breech deliveries (8%).
Conclusions:
- The incidence of CHI in Abha is higher than in many other regions, suggesting a potential regional variation within Saudi Arabia.
- Risk factors include female sex, local ethnicity, family history, and breech presentation.
- Continued neonatal screening is essential for early detection and management of CHI.
Abstract:
In a prospective screening of 2222 consecutive live hospital births over a ten-month period in Abha, there was an incidence of 3.6% for congenital hip instability by examination within 48 hours of delivery. This is a higher incidence than that reported from most parts of the world and is comparable to earlier Japanese figures. This suggests a regional variation in the incidence of his instability within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bilateral instability was found in 32% and there was a left lateral dominance. There was a significantly higher incidence in female babies, in the local Saudi population and in first degree relatives of affected babies. Hip instability was noted in 8% of breech deliveries. No association was demonstrable with maternal age, birth order, size of the baby or gestation. Our findings are compared with other published data from Saudi Arabia and the West. The need for continued appropriate neonatal screening for early diagnosis of congenital hip instability is emphasized.
