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.

International Orthopaedics
|September 6, 2013
PubMed

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.
Abstract