Collagen type III predominance in newborns with congenital dislocation of the hip

The collagen content and the relative distribution of collagen Types I and III were measured in umbilical cords from newborns with congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) and healthy controls. The total content of collagen per mg dry tissue tended to be reduced. In newborns with CDH the collagen III/I ratio was higher than in the controls. If generalized, these alterations in collagen metabolism may explain the joint hypermobility seen in CDH. It is suggested that the redistribution of collagen Types III and I during normal fetal development and early infancy may be delayed in CDH.