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Developmental dysplasia of the hip in the newborn: A systematic review
Vivek Gulati1, Kelechi Eseonu, Junaid Sayani
1Vivek Gulati, Kelechi Eseonu, Junaid Sayani, Nizar Ismail, Adeel Aqil, Saket Tibrewal, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom.
Insights
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is diagnosed and monitored using clinical tests and ultrasound. While the Pavlik harness is the gold standard treatment, success rates vary, and complications like avascular necrosis can occur.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Imaging
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) encompasses a range of hip abnormalities, from mild acetabular dysplasia to complete dislocations.
- Diagnosis and monitoring rely on clinical examination and ultrasound imaging, with classification systems utilizing alpha and beta angles and dynamic coverage index (DCI).
- Screening programs for DDH exhibit geographic variability, and specific risk factors prompt ultrasound assessment in newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic methods, classification systems, and evolving treatment strategies for developmental dysplasia of the hip.
- To evaluate the efficacy and potential complications associated with current treatments, particularly the Pavlik harness.
- To discuss alternative non-surgical and surgical interventions for DDH.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical diagnostic tests and ultrasound imaging parameters (alpha angle, beta angle, DCI).
- Analysis of treatment modalities including the Pavlik harness, alternative non-surgical devices, and surgical procedures (osteotomies).
- Examination of reported success rates and complications associated with different treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound parameters like beta angle and DCI can predict Pavlik harness treatment success.
- Pavlik harness treatment success rates range widely (7%-99%), with avascular necrosis occurring in 0%-28% of cases.
- Surgical options include femoral and pelvic osteotomies, with potential complications such as epiphyseal or sciatic nerve damage.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound plays a crucial role in diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring DDH, aiding in treatment selection.
- The Pavlik harness remains a primary treatment, but careful monitoring is essential due to variable success and complication rates.
- Both non-surgical and surgical interventions offer alternatives, each with specific indications and potential risks that must be managed.
Abstract:
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) denotes a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from subtle acetabular dysplasia to irreducible hip dislocations. Clinical diagnostic tests complement ultrasound imaging in allowing diagnosis, classification and monitoring of this condition. Classification systems relate to the alpha and beta angles in addition to the dynamic coverage index (DCI). Screening programmes for DDH show considerable geographic variation; certain risk factors have been identified which necessitate ultrasound assessment of the newborn. The treatment of DDH has undergone significant evolution, but the current gold standard is still the Pavlik harness. Duration of Pavlik harness treatment has been reported to range from 3 to 9.3 mo. The beta angle, DCI and the superior/lateral femoral head displacement can be assessed via ultrasound to estimate the likelihood of success. Success rates of between 7% and 99% have been reported when using the harness to treat DDH. Avascular necrosis remains the most devastating complication of harness usage with a reported rate of between 0% and 28%. Alternative non-surgical treatment methods used for DDH include devices proposed by LeDamany, Frejka, Lorenz and Ortolani. The Rosen splint and Wagner stocking have also been used for DDH treatment. Surgical treatment for DDH comprises open reduction alongside a combination of femoral or pelvic osteotomies. Femoral osteotomies are carried out in cases of excessive anteversion or valgus deformity of the femoral neck. The two principal pelvic osteotomies most commonly performed are the Salter osteotomy and Pemberton acetabuloplasty. Serious surgical complications include epiphyseal damage, sciatic nerve damage and femoral neck fracture.
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