Influence of the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip by the abduction brace on locomotor development in children

Purpose  

To assess the influence of treating developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with the abduction brace on locomotor development in children.     

Surgical results of developmental dysplasia of the hip in older children based on using three-dimensional computed tomography

Background

The surgical management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in older children has been the subject of controversy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients with neglected DDH who underwent individual procedures based on using three-dimensional computed tomography.

Methods

Forty-seven patients (59 hips) were treated using Pemberton osteotomy or Dega plus Pemberton osteotomy. Subtrochanteric transverse femoral shortening and derotation osteotomy were performed for all patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 10.5 y for group 1 (bilateral dislocation, 24 hips) and 11.2 y for group 2 (unilateral dislocation, 35 hips). Mean follow-up was 5.3 y for group 1 and 5.8 y for group 2.

Results

At the end of follow-up, 13 hips (54.2%) were rated excellent, eight hips (33.3%) were good, and three hips (12.5%) were fair in group 1. In group 2, 20 hips (57.1%) were rated excellent, 10 hips (28.6%) were good, and five hips (14.3%) were fair. There were five patients who had a limb length discrepancy of approximately 1.5 cm in group 2. Six hips in group 1 and seven hips in group 2 had osteonecrosis of varying severity.

Conclusions

We believe that preoperation three-dimensional computed tomography evaluation, personalized operation plans, and experience with the surgical procedure are the main reasons for the satisfactory therapeutic effects achieved in this study in older children with DDH.     

International variance in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Introduction

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common congenital musculoskeletal abnormality. Recourse to definitive surgical treatment is not typically taken until over the age of 18–24 months. International consensus regarding age at surgery, degree of dysplasia requiring surgery and type of osteotomy is not available in the literature.

Study aims

To determine variation in timing and type of osteotomy for persistent DDH across the world.

Methodology

Senior authors of recent publications pertaining to hip dysplasia were sampled. Participants’ practice relating to age and radiological indications for surgery were determined.

Results

Thirty-two surgeons responded from five different geographical regions. No inter-regional consensus was established regarding investigations to determine the need for osteotomy, preferred osteotomy type or ideal age at which to perform an osteotomy.

Conclusion

International agreement regarding the surgical management of DDH does not exist. This common congenital condition warrants development of a treatment algorithm.     

Diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in the Netherlands: national questionnaire of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons on current practice in children less than 1 year old

Purpose  

There is no consensus in the literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We designed a national questionnaire to assess the various opinions and current practice of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons in the Netherlands regarding the diagnosis and treatment of DDH in children less than 1 year old.     

Total hip arthroplasty (S-ROM stem) and subtrochanteric osteotomy for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip

Background:

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in adults with severe pain and disability is best treated by total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy combined with THA using S-ROM stem for those severe patients with a special focus on the effect of two shapes in the subtrochanteric osteotomy ends: Oblique and transverse.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty one cases with mean age of 43.6 years who met inclusion criteria and were operated between February 2007 and February 2012 were included in the study. Those cases had been divided into two groups (oblique vs. transverse) and all records between the two groups were analyzed.

Results:

The Harris hip score significantly improved from 30.6 (range 18–59) preoperatively to 91.2 (range 87–98) postoperatively by the latest followup. Complications including one deep venous thrombosis, one intraoperative fracture of femur and two dislocations occurred while they were addressed properly afterward. The oblique group showed significant advantages in operative time, union time and additional fixation in comparison with the transverse group.

Conclusions:

In the primary THA for the treatment of irreducible DDH, subtrochanteric oblique osteotomy combined with the freely-rotatable S-ROM stem provided favorable short term outcomes by affording both morphological and functional advantages.     

Prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children with clubfoot

Purpose

The relationship between congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remains uncertain. The role of routine hip screening in children with CTEV is debated. A recent study has found a high incidence of DDH in patients with CTEV. The aim of our study was to determine the true prevalence of radiographic hip dysplasia and identify the need for routine hip screening in patients treated for CTEV.

Methods

From a single centre database of 165 children consisting of 260 CTEV, a prospective radiological prevalence study of 101 children was performed over a period of 3 months. A single anterior-posterior pelvic radiograph was performed at a minimum age of 5 months. The DDH was determined by a single senior investigator based on the age-adjusted acetabular index (AI) as described by Tonnis.

Results

There were no dislocations or subluxations. According to the age-adjusted AI, 16 children had ‘light’ dysplasia and one child had ‘severe’ dysplasia. The child with severe dysplasia was known to have DDH and had already undergone treatment. The 16 children with light dysplasia did not require any form of treatment.

Conclusion

Out of one hundred and one children with CTEV, only one had DDH requiring treatment. This is consistent with the majority of the literature supporting the premise that there is no true association between CTEV and DDH. We, therefore, feel that routine hip screening for children with CTEV is not supported by current evidence and cannot be recommended.     

Correlation between avascular necrosis and the presence of the ossific nucleus when treating developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose

This study assessed whether avascular necrosis (AVN) is correlated with the presence or absence of the ossific nucleus (ON) at the initiation of conservative treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). To date, the correlation between the presence of the ON and AVN manifestations remains ambiguous.

Methods

The medical records of 148 patients with 234 dislocated hips who presented at our institution between January 2006 and December 2007 were reviewed. Based on ultrasound examination, the hips were classified according to Graf IIIa, IIIb, and IV criteria. Patients aged >6 months were simultaneously examined by standardized pelvis radiography.

Results

The ON was present in 84 hips (35.9 %) at the beginning of treatment. Treatment was begun at a mean age of 5 months, with overhead traction for 2 weeks followed by arthrography and a spica cast for 4 weeks. Afterwards, we used a Tübingen hip-flexion splint. The mean age at final follow-up was 87 months. Hips were radiographically evaluated at last follow-up according to the Ogden–Bucholz AVN classification scheme. There was no significant difference in AVN prevalence between ON⁻ versus ON⁺ hips in children aged ≤10 months (P = 0.681), whereas when all age groups were analyzed together, AVN was significantly increased in ON⁺ hips (P = 0.002). Clinical examination revealed no differences in limping, leg length inequality, and range of motion of hips in the ON⁻ versus ON⁺ groups.

Conclusion

We conclude that DDH treatment should be performed early without regard to the presence or absence of the ON. Reduction should not be delayed beyond >10 months of age because any delay in treatment increases the incidence of AVN.     

Ultrasonographic Graf type IIa hip needs more consideration in newborn girls

Purpose

According to hip ultrasonography by Graf’s method, the type IIa hip has a certain degree of physiological delay in ossification of the bony acetabular roof. The aim of this case–control study was to evaluate the natural history of the type IIa hip.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty-one type IIa hips were identified in 312 of 1,690 ultrasonographically screened newborns with a mean age of 27 days. Parents were accurately informed about the prognosis of such a hip condition and invited for ultrasonographic re-examination at 6–7 weeks of age.

Results

Type IIa hip was more common in newborn girls than in boys (P < 0.001). Among 431 type IIa hips, 146 (34 %) missed the follow-up examination at 6–7 weeks of age. Among the completely followed 285 hips, 225 (79 %) developed into a normal hip at 6–7 weeks of age. Newborn boys’ hips had a higher rate of spontaneous normalization than girls’ hips at 6–7 weeks of age (P = 0.006). All but one type IIa(+) hip became type I without any treatment. According to our management protocol, 35 type IIa(−) hips and one type IIa(+) hip, which later became type IIb, underwent treatment. The rate of treatment was higher in newborn girls’ hips than in boys’ hips (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

As Graf type IIa hip is more common, has a lower rate of spontaneous normalization and higher rate of treatment in newborn girls than in boys, we recommend paying more attention the type IIa hip in newborn girls. The rate of missing the required follow-up is unacceptably high due to parents’ insensitivity regarding the type IIa hip.     

Residual hip dysplasia as a risk factor for osteoarthritis in 45 years follow-up of late-detected hip dislocation

Purpose  

The aim of the study was to assess the role of residual hip dysplasia as a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).     

Clinical importance of impingement deformities for hip osteoarthritis progression in a Japanese population

Purpose

Femoroacetabular impingement is a new disease concept for hip disorders in young adults suggested as a major cause of primary hip osteoarthritis in Western countries. However, significant controversy exists regarding the prevalence and contribution of impingement deformities to osteoarthritis in Japan, owing to the higher prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Therefore, the aims of this study were to: (1) determine the prevalence of structural abnormalities associated with hip disorders in patients undergoing total hip replacement and (2) analyse the contribution of impingement deformities to osteoarthritis.

Methods

We analysed 250 patients from two different medical centres who underwent primary total hip replacement except those which were due to femoral head necrosis, posttraumatic osteoarthritis and systemic inflammatory disease. The average patient age at surgery was 64 years (range, 40–89 years), with 35 men and 215 women.

Results

Radiographic abnormality related to developmental dysplasia of the hip was associated with the majority of osteoarthritic hips (62 %). Hips with femoroacetabular impingement deformities were present within the cases categorized as unknown etiology. Cam impingement deformity was present in 22 % of unknown aetiology cases when cases with reactive osteophytes were excluded from all cam deformity cases (pistol grip deformity and aspherical femoral heads).

Conclusions

The prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement within primary osteoarthritis cases and gender predominance of impingement deformities are relatively similar to those reported previously in Western populations. This finding indicates that femoroacetabular impingement deformities are associated with osteoarthritis in the Japanese population, although it has a lower frequency among all hip failure patients.     

A review of environmental factors implicated in human developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is common, and the term encompasses a spectrum of anatomical abnormalities of the hip in which the femoral head displaces from the acetabulum. These abnormalities may be congenital or develop during infancy and/or childhood. Neither the prenatal and postnatal factors that predispose to hip instability nor the determinants of its resolution or persistence are well characterised. A multifactorial pathogenesis of DDH is commonly accepted and identified risk factors include a family history, being first born, breech presentation, female gender, high birth weight and oligohydramnios 1. Further to genetic factors, a number of nutritional, hormonal and mechanical influences on ligament laxity have been hypothesised.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted using NICE Healthcare Databases Advanced Search and Google Scholar engines, and the terms “nutrition”, “environmental”, “risk factors”, “CDH” and “DDH”. Wherever possible, evidence from randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and expert review articles published in the medical and veterinary literature was considered.

Results

The relationship between a number of hormones and biochemical markers of nutritional status and the development of DDH has been repeatedly hypothesised upon in the last 45 years. Of those most frequently cited are calcium, vitamins C and D, and relaxin hormone. The evidence for these potential risk factors is provided mainly by canine studies, with a paucity of consistent or strong evidence in humans.

Conclusions

DDH is common and remains a leading cause of hip osteoarthritis in young adults. Neonatal clinical screening programmes for this condition have been in practice since the 1950s, albeit with varying levels of sensitivity. This review summarises current understanding of some of the most frequently cited nongenetic hypothesised risk factors, the significance of which remain to be determined.     

Management of developmental dysplasia of the hip in less than 24 months old children

Background:

There is no consensus on the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children less than 24 months of age. The aim of this study was to present the results of open reduction and concomitant primary soft-tissue intervention in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip in children less than 24 months of age.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty hips of 50 patients (4 male, 46 female) with mean age of 14.62 ± 5.88 (range 5-24 months) months with a mean followup of 40.00 ± 6.22 (range 24-58 months) months were included. Twenty five right and 35 left hips (10 bilaterally involved) were operated. Open reduction was performed using the medial approach in patients aged < 20 months (with Tönnis type II-III and IV hip dysplasias) and for those aged 20-24 months with Tönnis type II and III hip dysplasias (n = 47). However for 13 patients aged 20-24 months with Tönnis type IV hip dysplasias, anterior bikini incision was used.

Results:

Mean acetabular index was 41.03 ± 3.78° (range 34°-50°) in the preoperative period and 22.98 ± 3.01° (range 15°-32°) at the final visits. Mean center-edge angle at the final visits was 22.85 ± 3.35° (18°-32°). Based on Severin radiological classification, 29 (48.3%) were type I (very good), 25 (41.7%) were type II (good) and 6 (10%) were type III (fair) hips. According to the McKay clinical classification, postoperatively the hips were evaluated as excellent (n = 42; 70%), good (n = 14; 23.3%) and fair (n = 4; 6.7%). Reduction of all hip dislocations was achieved. Additional pelvic osteotomies were performed in 14 (23.3%) hips for continued acetabular dysplasia and recurrent subluxation. (Salter [n = 12]/Pemberton [n = 2] osteotomy was performed). Avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in 7 (11.7%) hips

Conclusion:

In DDH only soft-tissue procedures are not enough, because of the high rate of the secondary surgery and AVN for all cases aged less than 24 months. Bone procedures may be necessary in the walking age group with high acetabular index.     

Is ultrasound screening for DDH in babies born breech sufficient?

Purpose  

To review our incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in breech infants referred for ultrasound screening and to determine if subsequent follow-up radiographs are necessary in these patients with normal clinical and ultrasound examinations.     

Caput valgum associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip: management by transphyseal screw fixation

Purpose

A late finding of some hips treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a growth disturbance of the lateral proximal femoral physis, which results in caput valgum and possibly osteoarthritis. Current treatment options include complete epiphysiodesis of the proximal femoral physis or a corrective proximal femoral osteotomy. Alternatively, a transphyseal screw through the inferomedial proximal femoral physis that preserves superolateral growth might improve this deformity.

Methods

This study evaluates the effect of such a transphyseal screw on both femoral and acetabular development in patients with caput valgum following open treatment of DDH. These patients were followed clinically and radiographically until skeletal maturity. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed, measuring the proximal femoral physeal orientation (PFPO), the head–shaft angle (HSA), Sharp’s angle and the center edge angle of Wiberg (CE angle).

Results

Thirteen hips of 11 consecutive patients were followed prospectively. The age at the time of transphyseal screw placement was between 5 and 14 years. The mean improvement of the PFPO and HSA was 14° (p < 0.01) and 11° (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean improvement of Sharp’s angle and CE angle was 4.7° (p < 0.01) and 5.8° (p < 0.02), respectively. Five patients underwent screw revision.

Conclusions

A transphyseal screw across the proximal femoral physis improved the proximal femur and acetabular geometry.     

Sciatic nerve course in adult patients with unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip: implications for hip surgery

Background

Sciatic nerve injury is a disastrous adverse complication of surgery and can cause debilitating pain, functional impairment and poor quality of life. Patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) have a high incidence of sciatic nerve injury after total hip arthroplasty (THA). A better understanding of the course of the sciatic nerve in patients with DDH may help minimise the risk of sciatic nerve injury after THA.

Methods

A total of 35 adult patients with unilateral DDH were enrolled in this retrospective study. We reviewed the patients’ computed tomography (CT) scans, which included the area from the iliac crest to below the lesser trochanter. The distance between the sciatic nerve and regional anatomic landmarks in four different sections on CT scans was measured to identify the course of the sciatic nerve.

Results

The distance from the sciatic nerve to the spine’s midline was shorter on the affected side than on the healthy side (p < 0.05); the same difference was also detected in the distance to the ilium/ischium outside the true pelvis (p < 0.05). The distance to the greater trochanter was longer on the affected side (p < 0.05). However, the two sides showed no significant difference in the distance from the sciatic nerve to the lesser trochanter (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

For patients with unilateral DDH, the sciatic nerve was located near the ischium and ilium but relatively far from the femur of the affected hip joint, compared to its location on the healthy side. These findings reveal that sciatic nerve becomes shorter in the affected low-limb and is relatively unlikely to be directly injuried using the posterolateral approach in patients with unilateral DDH.     

Prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in infants evaluated for developmental dysplasia of the hip

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to define the incidence of trochlear dysplasia in an infant cohort being screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).MethodsNewborns screened for DDH that were evaluated with ultrasound for the presence of trochlear dysplasia were retrospectively reviewed. The sulcus angle and trochlear depth were measured. Based on previous work, trochlear dysplasia was defined as a sulcus angle of > 159°. Our newborn cohort was then analyzed to identify potential risk factors for trochlear dysplasia.ResultsA total of 383 knees in 196 infants were studied. In total, 52% were referred for breech intrauterine positioning and 21% were ultimately diagnosed with DDH and had treatment initiated with a Pavlik harness. Of the entire cohort, 8% of knees were deemed to have trochlear dysplasia. Breech patients were found to have a flatter sulcus angle than those that were not breech (149.5° (sd 7.2°) versus 147.9° (sd 7.5°); p = 0.028). Similarly, a shallower trochlear depth was identified in breech patients versus non-breech patients (1.6 mm (sd 0.4) versus 1.8 mm (sd 0.4); p = 0.019). Those with trochlear dysplasia (as defined by sulcus angle > 159°) did show a smaller alpha angle (i.e. more dysplastic hip) as compared with those without trochlear dysplasia (59.2° (sd 10.2°) versus 65.9° (sd 7.5°); p < 0.001). Hips with DDH were 2.4-times more likely to have knees with trochlear dysplasia (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 5.3).ConclusionUltrasound screening of newborn knees reveals that trochlear dysplasia is relatively common in breech babies with DDH.Level of EvidenceIII     

The costs of late detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose

Debate currently exists regarding the economic viability for screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

Methods

A prospective study of infant hip dysplasia over the period of 1998–2008 (36,960 live births) was performed to determine treatment complexity and associated costs of disease detection and hospital treatment, related to the age at presentation and treatment modality. The involved screening programme utilised universal clinical screening of all infants and selective ultrasound screening of at-risk infants.

Results

One hundred and seventy-nine infants (4.8/1,000) presented with hip dysplasia. Thirty-four infants presented late (> 3 months of age) and required closed or open reduction. One hundred and forty-five infants presented at < 3 months of age, 14 of whom failed early Pavlik harness treatment. A detailed cost analysis revealed: 131 early presenters with successful management in a Pavlik harness at a cost of £601/child; 34 late presenters who required surgery (36 hips, 19 closed/17 open reductions, one revision procedure) at a cost of £4,352/child; and 14 early presenters with failed management in a Pavlik harness requiring more protracted surgery (18 hips, four closed/14 open reductions, seven revision procedures) at a cost of £7,052/child.

Conclusions

Late detection causes increased treatment complexity and a sevenfold increase in the short-term costs of treatment, compared to early detection and successful management in a Pavlik harness.

Discussion

Improved strategies are needed for the 10 % of early presenting infants who fail Pavlik harness treatment and require the most complex and costly interventions.     

Selective ultrasound screening is inadequate to identify patients who present with symptomatic adult acetabular dysplasia

Purpose

One goal of neonatal screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the prevention of late surgery. However, the majority of patients with acetabular dysplasia at skeletal maturity are not diagnosed with DDH during infancy. Selective ultrasound screening may identify patients with neonatal hip instability, but may be ineffective for the prevention of dysplasia presenting in adulthood. The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of risk factors for DDH that would have warranted selective ultrasound screening in patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia after skeletal maturity.

Methods

A prospective hip specialty center registry was used to identify 68 consecutive skeletally mature patients undergoing corrective osteotomy for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Risk factors for DDH evaluated in all patients included sex, family history of hip osteoarthritis or DDH, breech, method of delivery, previous hip treatments, and birth order. Radiographs [lateral center edge angle (CEA), anterior CEA, Tönnis grade, and Tönnis angle] were measured preoperatively.

Results

Sixty-seven females and one male were identified. No patients were previously diagnosed with DDH or received treatment for their hips. The majority of patients (85.3 %) did not meet selective ultrasound screening guidelines following a stable neonatal hip exam and, therefore, would not have been screened in a selective screening program. Of the findings outside of screening guidelines, 98.5 % were females, 52.9 % were first born, and 36.8 % had a family history of hip osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

The majority (85.3 %) of patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia at skeletal maturity would not have met current recommendations for selective ultrasound screening in the USA had they been born today.     

Lateral growth arrest of the proximal femoral physis: a new technique for serial radiological observation

Purpose  

Lateral growth arrest is recognised as the most common form of avascular necrosis (AVN) seen in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this report is to present a new technique that is of benefit in the early identification and subsequent radiological monitoring of lateral growth arrest and which may permit appropriate timely surgical intervention.