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Updated: May 8, 2026

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
Is it worthwhile to screen the hip in infants born with clubfeet?
Dahang Zhao1, Weiwei Rao, Li Zhao
1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Xin-Hua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China, zdhyjj2001@126.com.
Insights
Infants with idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) have a higher incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Early hip sonography is recommended for all infants diagnosed with idiopathic CTEV.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a common birth defect.
- There is ongoing debate regarding the association between idiopathic CTEV and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
- Early detection and management of DDH are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of DDH in infants diagnosed with idiopathic CTEV.
- To investigate the relationship between idiopathic CTEV and the risk of developing DDH.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for screening and management.
Main Methods:
- An observational cohort study was conducted over three years.
- Neonates under six weeks with idiopathic CTEV were included.
- Hip ultrasound using the Graf method was performed at six weeks; DDH was defined as Graf type IIa(-) or worse.
Main Results:
- 184 infants with idiopathic CTEV underwent hip sonography.
- DDH was diagnosed in 2.7% of infants (five of 184).
- No statistically significant difference in Pirani scores was observed between DDH and normal hip groups.
Conclusions:
- Infants with idiopathic CTEV exhibit a higher incidence of DDH compared to the general population.
- Routine hip sonography is recommended for all infants diagnosed with idiopathic CTEV.
- This finding supports the need for early screening in this at-risk population.
Purpose:
There is some disagreement about whether idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) increases the risk of neonatal developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to investigate the incidence of DDH in our infants with idiopathic CTEV.
Methods:
We conducted an observational cohort study over a three-year period to assess the relationship between idiopathic CTEV and DDH. All neonates younger than six weeks with idiopathic CTEV who were treated in our medical centre were admitted to this study. Each subject underwent hip ultrasound examination using the Graf method at the age of six weeks. DDH was diagnosed when a hip was type IIa(-) or worse according to the Graf classification of sonographic hip type.
Results:
A total of 184 patients were diagnosed with idiopathic CTEV and underwent hip sonography. In total, seven hips of five individuals underwent treatment (four girls and one boy). The results indicated that 2.7% of babies (five of 184) with idiopathic CTEV had DDH. However, we did not find any statistically significant difference (p = 0.5776) in the Pirani scores between the DDH group and group with normal hips.
Conclusions:
This study revealed that the idiopathic CTEV group had a greater incidence of DDH in comparison with the general population. It is recommended that hip sonography be undertaken particularly in patients with idiopathic CTEV.

