Screening for hip dysplasia in congenital muscular torticollis: is physical exam enough?

An association between congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been established in the literature; however, whether the screening of patients with CMT for DDH requires hip imaging remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine (1) the coexistence rate of DDH requiring treatment in individuals with CMT and (2) if physical exam alone is sufficient screening.

A single-center retrospective chart review was performed among 97 consecutive patients between 1/1/2003 and 9/1/2012 with CMT who had hip imaging performed.

12 % (12/97) of patients with CMT had DDH, all requiring treatment. 75 % (9/12) of the patients with DDH had an abnormal clinical exam. Of the three patients with DDH and a normal clinical exam, two patients were presenting for a second opinion after being treated for DDH prior to evaluation. 90 % (9/10) of patients with DDH at the time of presentation had an abnormal hip exam. All 12 patients with hip dysplasia were referred for DDH or DDH with CMT. There were no patients who were referred for CMT alone that had DDH.

In the care of a patient with CMT, it is important that the clinician remains vigilant about screening for DDH. An ultrasound or radiograph of the hips should be strongly considered as part of the evaluation of a child with CMT.

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