Late Dislocation Following Normal Multiplanar Dynamic Ultrasonography for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background:

• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a common condition in infants.
• Early screening with ultrasound is standard practice for detecting DDH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of late-onset hip dislocation in an infant.
• To emphasize that normal early ultrasound findings do not entirely rule out later hip instability.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a male infant diagnosed with late hip dislocation at 5 months.
• Initial screening ultrasound at 6 weeks showed normal static and dynamic hip stability.
• Treatment involved adductor tenotomy, closed reduction, and spica casting.
• Follow-up until 7 years of age confirmed normal hip stability.

Main Results:

• The infant presented with late developmental hip dislocation despite a normal initial ultrasound.
• Successful treatment was achieved with standard orthopedic interventions.
• Long-term follow-up confirmed stable hips post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Late developmental hip dislocation can occur even with initially normal ultrasonography.
• This case underscores the possibility of late-onset DDH and the need for awareness.
• Ultrasonography findings of stability do not preclude later development of hip dislocation.