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Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Review
Spyridon Sioutis1, Stylianos Kolovos2, Maria-Eleni Papakonstantinou3
1First Department of Orthopaedics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common infant condition. Early diagnosis via ultrasound and treatments like the Pavlik harness improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common infant musculoskeletal disorder.
- Risk factors include breech presentation, family history, and being a firstborn. It's more prevalent in female infants.
- DDH involves a shallow acetabulum and improper femoral head positioning, often associated with other congenital deformities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on DDH, summarizing its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To highlight the importance of early detection and conservative management strategies.
- To discuss the outcomes for patients diagnosed with DDH.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for published studies on DDH.
- Synthesis of information regarding DDH pathogenesis and diagnosis.
- Discussion of treatment modalities and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Clinical examination (Barlow, Ortolani tests) offers limited diagnostic information.
- Sonographic examination is the most accurate diagnostic tool for DDH.
- Graf classification categorizes DDH into four types based on ultrasound findings.
Conclusions:
- Widespread ultrasonography use has reduced missed DDH diagnoses.
- Early and conservative treatment, often with devices like the Pavlik harness, is typically effective.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable patient outcomes in DDH.
Abstract:
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder of the infant age. Its incidence ranges from 0.06/1000 to 76.1/1000 live births and is more frequent in female infants. Breech position, family history and firstborn children are the main risk factors for DDH and this disorder is also associated with the presence of other congenital deformities. Anatomically, the acetabulum remains shallow and the femoral head grows in a wrong position. Clinical examination is important and tests such us Barlow and Ortolani give indications only for a part of the spectrum of this entity. Nowadays the sonographic examination is the most accurate option for the diagnosis. Graf classification categorizes the DDH cases in four types, from normal to dislocated hip, by description and measuring specific angles in sonographic examination. The wide usage of ultrasonography has decreased the non-diagnosed or neglected cases; treatment begins immediately in young age and is usually conservative with the usage of devices such as Pavlik harness and hip spica. To enhance the literature, we searched for published studies on DDH, to summarize the pathogenesis and the diagnosis and to discuss the treatment and outcome of the patients with this disorder.
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