Development of an aid to detect adults acetabular hip dysplasia (the ALPHA alert): A mixed methods study

To identify the signs and symptoms that people living with acetabular hip dysplasia (AHD) describe and to provide an aid for translating the findings into practice.

A three-phased mixed methods study. Phase 1 employed an open-question online survey that enabled people with AHD (aged ≥16 years) to describe features associated with their condition. Responses were thematically analysed. A Phase 2 survey used these themes to establish how common those features were. Phase 3 created a mnemonic that prompts clinicians to suspect AHD.

Ninety-eight respondents completed Phase 1 and sixty-two completed Phase 2. From the responses, five themes were identified: Demographic and Diagnostic Profile; Characteristics of Posture and Gait; Pain; Childhood Hip and Family History; and Hip Joint Characteristics. Within these themes, 19 common signs and symptoms were reported, represented by the ALPHA mnemonic. ALPHA describes a young age at onset of problems (Age), a limp (Limp), progressing pain (Pain), a history of childhood and family hip anomalies (History) as well as hip joint hypermobility and instability (Articulation).

The findings extend current understanding of AHD indicators. ALPHA alerts clinicians to suspect a diagnosis of AHD. ALPHA may facilitate timelier referral of patients for diagnostic X-Ray and appropriate treatment. Future studies should evaluate its clinical utility.