Diagnosing and managing hip problems in childhood

The hip and proximate tissues are implicated in a variety of childhood conditions, and in the differential diagnosis of many more. To a large extent the possible diagnoses are limited by the child's age, an accurate history and thorough examination. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a spectrum disorder of joint development and/or instability. It is a major cause of morbidity in children and adults. It can be classified into three types: neuromuscular; teratological; and idiopathic (the most common type). Examination of the hips is carried out neonatally using Ortolani and Barlow manoeuvres to look for dislocation. These tests have high sensitivity but low specificity, and this is one reason why DDH is still picked up late. When a limping child presents it is important that the less common diagnoses, including infection, neoplasia and slipped femoral epiphysis are kept in mind and urgent referral made if necessary. In one study, where a diagnosis was made, the hip joint was the culprit in the majority of cases. Of these, 40% were diagnosed as irritable hip or transient synovitis. Other inflammatory arthritides/tendinoses accounted for 3.2%, Perthes' disease 2%, and infection 3.6%. Any age group is vulnerable to infection such as septic arthritis, osteomyelitis and pelvic pyomyositis. Early diagnosis and treatment, comprising antibiotics with or without surgery, is critical. In the limping child, fever with focal tenderness or restricted range of movement is indicative of infection unless investigations show otherwise.