Developmental dysplasia of the hip in the newborn: A systematic review

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) denotes a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from subtle acetabular dysplasia to irreducible hip dislocations. Clinical diagnostic tests complement ultrasound imaging in allowing diagnosis, classification and monitoring of this condition. Classification systems relate to the alpha and beta angles in addition to the dynamic coverage index (DCI). Screening programmes for DDH show considerable geographic variation; certain risk factors have been identified which necessitate ultrasound assessment of the newborn. The treatment of DDH has undergone significant evolution, but the current gold standard is still the Pavlik harness. Duration of Pavlik harness treatment has been reported to range from 3 to 9.3 mo. The beta angle, DCI and the superior/lateral femoral head displacement can be assessed via ultrasound to estimate the likelihood of success. Success rates of between 7% and 99% have been reported when using the harness to treat DDH. Avascular necrosis remains the most devastating complication of harness usage with a reported rate of between 0% and 28%. Alternative non-surgical treatment methods used for DDH include devices proposed by LeDamany, Frejka, Lorenz and Ortolani. The Rosen splint and Wagner stocking have also been used for DDH treatment. Surgical treatment for DDH comprises open reduction alongside a combination of femoral or pelvic osteotomies. Femoral osteotomies are carried out in cases of excessive anteversion or valgus deformity of the femoral neck. The two principal pelvic osteotomies most commonly performed are the Salter osteotomy and Pemberton acetabuloplasty. Serious surgical complications include epiphyseal damage, sciatic nerve damage and femoral neck fracture.     

Education of parents in Pavlik harness application for developmental dysplasia of the hip using a validated simulated learning module

BackgroundThe Pavlik harness is the most common initial treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip worldwide. During treatment, parents are required to re-apply the harness at home. Teaching parents how to apply the harness is therefore paramount to success. While simulated learning for medical training is commonplace, it has not yet been trialed in teaching parents how to apply a Pavlik harness.MethodsA group of parents underwent a simulated learning module for Pavlik harness application. Parents were evaluated pre- and post-exposure and at one month after testing. A validated objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) and a global rating scale (GRS) specific to Pavlik harness application were used for evaluation. A control group of parents was also tested at both time points. A clinical expert group was used to determine competency. ANOVA and t tests were used to assess differences between groups and over time.ResultsParent scores on the OSATS improved to the level of expert clinicians both immediately post-intervention and at retention testing. However, on the GRS, only half were considered competent due to their inability to achieve the required hip positions. The control group did not improve nor were they considered competent.ConclusionsThe use of a simulated learning module improves both the confidence and skill level of parents in the application of the Pavlik harness. However, the challenges parents face in understanding the more detailed subtleties of medical care suggest that they still require an appropriate level of supervision by clinicians to ensure effective treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11832-016-0751-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Pavlik吊带治疗婴幼儿发育性髋关节发育不良的经验

目的探讨Pavlik吊带治疗6个月内婴幼儿发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)的治疗效果。方法 2015年8月至2017年8月,Graf超声对广州市新生儿及小于6月婴儿进行DDH普查,检出异常髋关节(DDH)18个,其中女婴DDH髋检出13个,男性5个。根据Graf超声诊断发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)的病理分型,9髋为Ⅱb型,6髋为Ⅱc型,2髋为Ⅲ型,1髋为Ⅳ型。均采用Pavlik吊带治疗,间隔2周复诊1次,超声检查观察髋关节发育变化。吊带治疗时间6~20周,随访时间3~18个月,平均8个月。结果 17髋经Pavlik吊带治疗后,经超声和X线片检查,相关指标达到正常,确认治愈。1髋在经Pavlik治疗过程中,经超声检查后,相关指标改善明显,58°α角60°。全部患儿均无股骨头无菌性坏死等并发症。结论 Pavlik吊带对于Graf II型患儿治愈率高,而对于GrafⅢ、Ⅳ型患儿,Pavlik吊带治愈率降低,部分患儿需要进一步的后续治疗。超声检查可达到动态观察Pavlik吊带治疗效果的目的。早期超声检查为发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)能早期得到Pavlik吊带治疗提供了可能,对减少患儿远期遗留畸形和降低治疗过程中并发症发生率有重要意义。     

Preliminary traction and the use of under-thigh pillows to prevent avascular necrosis of the femoral head in Pavlik harness treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

One hundred and sixty-one hips of 145 patients were treated with the Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 65 patients (70 hips) who were treated between 1980 and 1987. The harness was applied immediately after the diagnosis. Group B consisted of 80 patients (91 hips) who were treated between 1988 and 1992. These patients received preliminary traction, and small pillows supported the lower extremities from just above the knee to the foot to prevent extreme abduction when the harness was applied. When the distance from the middle point of the proximal metaphyseal border of the femur to the Y-line (distance "a") was 8 mm or more on the initial X-ray picture, the rate of avascular necrosis in group A was 11% and that in group B was 0%; the difference was significant. However, when distance "a" was less than 8 mm, the rate of avascular necrosis in group A was 13% and that in group B was 12%, and there was no significant difference. Thus, we suggest that the Pavlik harness is indicated for developmental dysplasia of the hip in which distance "a" is 8 mm or more. Traction should precede application of the harness, and pillows placed under the thigh must be used during application. Received: November 15, 1999 / Accepted: June 5, 2000     

Pavlik吊带治疗6个月内婴儿髋关节发育不良

目的探讨Pavlik吊带治疗6个月内婴儿髋关节发育不良的方法和疗效以及高频超声在诊断治疗中的价值。方法回顾性总结我院2004年1月至2012年1月收治的102例(124髋)6个月内发育性髋关节异常的婴儿,其中男性14例,女性88例,单侧80例,双侧22例,年龄3~24周。据Graf超声波髋关节分型,20髋为Ⅱa(-)型,50髋为Ⅱb型,34髋为Ⅱc型,18髋为Ⅲ型,2髋为Ⅳ型。常规新生儿体检均发现有双侧臀纹不对称,或伴有髋关节屈曲外展受限,经Garf静态超声技术确认。均采用Pavlik吊带治疗,平均间隔2~3周超声监测髋关节发育变化。吊带治疗时间4~20周,随访时间15~30个月,平均24个月。结果 92例(112髋)经Pavlik吊带治疗后,复查超声和X线片指标恢复正常,确认治愈。4例(5髋)治疗过程中超声指标改善明显,58°α角60°,年龄超过8个月后,改用髋外展矫形器固定,4周后X线片指标恢复正常。6例(7髋)年龄超过6个月,指标未恢复正常,且伴有内收肌紧张,予以内收长肌松解后石膏固定。在此6例患儿中,3例(3髋)随访至18个月,髋臼指数大于25°,Sheton氏线不连续,行Salter骨盆截骨术。所有患儿均无股骨头无菌性坏死等并发症。结论 Pavlik吊带对于GrafⅡ型患儿治愈率高,而对于GrafⅢ、Ⅳ型患儿,Pavlik吊带治愈率降低,部分患儿需后续进一步治疗。超声检查可动态观察Pavlik吊带治疗效果。早期超声检查为及时应用Pavlik吊带治疗提供了可能,对减轻患儿晚期畸形和并发症有重要意义。     

大龄儿童发育性髋关节脱位的手术治疗

目的 总结不同手术方法治疗大龄儿童发育性髋关节脱位的疗效.方法 1985年至2005年期间分别采用Salter截骨术、Pemberton截骨术和髋臼造盖成形术治疗6～15岁发育性髋关节脱位患儿56例(62髋).结果 31例(33髋)获平均8.5年(2.5～15年)随访,根据周永德疗效评定标准,优17髋、良11髋、中2髋、差3髋,总优良率为85%.Salter骨盆截骨术组优良率为87%;Pemberton截骨术组优良率为83%,1例股骨头坏死;髋臼造盖成形术组优良率为85%,1例股骨头坏死,1例严重髋关节僵硬;同时行股骨粗隆下截骨的22例(23髋)中无一例发生股骨头坏死和术后脱位.结论 正确选择术式是大龄儿童发育性髋关节脱位获得良好疗效的关键,术式的选择主要根据病理变化和年龄.股骨粗隆下截骨能有效降低头臼压力,减少股骨头坏死和再脱位发生率.     

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.     

Risk factors and diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of hip in children

Developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) is one entity one occasionally comes across while in a busy orthopaedic or paediatric outpatient department. The knowledge of risk factors and awareness of the condition is must for every orthopaedic surgeon and paediatrician as well lest the diagnosis will be missed. An early diagnosis can alter the prognosis of the disease and prevent late disabilities.     

The incidence of avascular necrosis following a cohort of treated developmental dysplasia of the hip in a single tertiary centre

PurposeAvascular necrosis (AVN) may occur following treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The primary aim of this study was to identify the incidence of AVN in a cohort of patients treated for DDH. Secondary aims were to classify AVN using available classification systems, analyze the correlation between the systems and investigate their relationship with the age at diagnosis of DDH.MethodsAn 11-year retrospective study was carried out at a single tertiary centre, using data from the clinical portal (patient records database) and IMPAX (system used to store plain radiographic images). Clinical details (patient demographics and outcomes) and plain radiographic images were used to identify cases of DDH and categorize cases of AVN using available classification systems: Tonnis and Kuhlmann, Kalamchi and McEwen, Bucholz and Ogden and Salter. Severin was used to assess final clinical outcome.ResultsIn total, 405 (522 hips) cases of DDH were identified, of which 213 resolved without treatment, 93 were treated conservatively and 99 surgically. Only treated cases were included in the analysis (n = 192). AVN (45/99; 45.5%) was found to occur only postoperatively. A positive correlation was present between age at presentation and severity of AVN as classified according to Salter’s criteria (chi-squared p value < 0.01).ConclusionAVN incidence was 23.4% (45/192) and only occurred in surgically treated patients. Older age at diagnosis was associated with a higher incidence of AVN, as defined according to Salter’s criteria. The classification systems appeared to show no correlation amongst each other (p-value < 0.01).Level of evidence:III - Retrospective cohort study     

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.     

假体置换治疗髋臼发育不良型骨关节炎

目的：探讨髋臼发育不良型骨关节炎行人工全髋置换治疗的疗效。方法：12例（14髋）因髋臼发育不良所引起的严重骨关节炎患作了人工全髋关节置换治疗。结果：优4例，良6例，中2例。结论：对髋臼发育不良型骨关节炎行人工全髋置换术的适应证应严格掌握，只有当疼痛影响生活质量，功能障碍非常明显而保守治疗无效时方可实施。     

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     

成人髋臼发育不良行全髋关节置换术中重建外旋肌群的作用

目的探讨对成人髋臼发育不良（DDH）采用髋关节后外侧切口行全髋关节置换术（THA）时重建外旋肌群对于预防后脱位的作用。方法自2006-01—2012—06对57例（64髋）成人DDH行初次THA,术中于股骨粗隆外旋肌群附着处用克氏针钻孔。将外旋肌群用可吸收缝线缝合至股骨大粗隆（重建组）。将重建组THA术后脱位率与同期成人DDH行THA但不重建外旋肌群（对照组）55例（62髋）的脱位率进行比较分析。结果术后6个月内,重建组仅1髋（1．6％）发生术后早期脱位．对照组则有4髋（6．5％）发生早期脱位,2组髋关节早期脱位率差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。6个月以后,2组均未发生迟发性脱位。2组末次随访时Harris评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;但2组末次随访时Harris评分均较术前明显提高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论采用后外侧切口对成人DDH行THA治疗时重建外旋肌群技术能够有效预防术后早期脱位。     

关节造影对发育性髋关节脱位闭合复位治疗的影响

目的探讨髋关节造影指导发育性髋关节脱位(DDH)患儿复位治疗的效果。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2018年4月厦门大学附属福州第二医院小儿骨科诊治的DDH患儿的病例资料。纳入标准:①年龄<18个月的DDH患儿;②Pavlik吊带治疗失败或未经过治疗者;③随访时间≥2年;④术前、术后及术中髋关节造影资料完整。排除标准:神经肌肉性、创伤性、畸形性髋关节脱位。共57例患者(61髋)纳入研究,其中对照组27例(28髋)采用单纯闭合复位,造影组30例(33髋)采用闭合复位联合髋关节造影。比较两组髋臼指数(AI)、中心边缘角(CE)、髋关节再脱位率、切开复位率及股骨头坏死发生率。结果造影组随访24~30个月,平均(26.2±4.2)个月,对照组随访24~37个月,平均(33.6±7.9)个月。造影组CE角为12.14°±5.03°,小于对照组(17.84°±7.44°)(P=0.001)。造影组AI为26.09°±4.62°,与对照组(26.62°±4.41°)无差异(P=0.592)。造影组14髋(42.4%)出现坏死(Ⅰ型5髋,Ⅱ型9髋),对照组12髋(42.9%)坏死(Ⅰ型6髋,Ⅱ型6髋),两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.973)。造影组7髋(21.2%)出现再脱位,对照组3髋(10.7%)出现再脱位,两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.449)。造影组6髋切开复位,对照组则无,两组差异有统计学意义(P=0.027)。结论小于18个月的DDH患儿,闭合复位时行髋关节造影有助于了解髋关节脱位的真实情况。     

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.     

成人髋关节发育不良全髋关节置换术后外展肌功能的变化

目的评估成人髋关节发育不良全髋关节置换术（THA）术后外展肌的变化,为术后康复训练提供一定的理论依据。方法 THA治疗成人单侧髋关节发育不良19例,分别在术前、术后2周、1、3、6、12个月进行髋关节Harris评分和Trendelenburg试验;并测定术后患侧与健侧髋关节外展最长持续时间。结果双下肢短缩差异值由术前平均29.2mm（范围15.9-45.0mm）缩小至术后平均2.5mm（范围-6.7-8.8mm）,术后Harris评分、患侧与健侧髋关节外展最长持续时间数据比与术后时间呈正相关,且以1-6个月之内变化最为明显,6-12个月变化趋势变缓;术后3个月Trendelenburg试验阳性6例,术后12个月随访Trendelenburg试验阳性4例。结论成人髋关节发育不良患者外展肌功能在THA术后1～6个月之间恢复最快,6～12个月恢复趋势变缓。     

Morphological characteristics of the bony birth canal in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH): investigation by three-dimensional CT

We investigated the three-dimensional morphological characteristics of the pelvis in adult female patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), using computerized tomography (CT) images. Forty-two subjects with normal hips and 40 DDH patients were recruited for the study. In the DDH group, the average transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet was significantly less and the average transverse diameter of the pelvic outlet was significantly greater than the measurements in the normal group. Further, the bony birth canal in DDH patients exhibited a higher incidence of anthropoid-type geometry, as defined by a longer sagittal diameter relative to the transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet. These findings indicate a characteristic pelvic geometry and suggest different development of the pelvis in the transverse direction in DDH patients. In addition, the obstetric conjugate length/transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet ratio was correlated to the degree of severity of acetabular dysplasia. This finding suggests that DDH is a manifestation of a developmental characteristic of the pelvis. Received: May 8, 2000 / Accepted: January 9, 2001     

发育性髋关节发育不良髋臼形态变化的MRI分析

目的通过MRI定量分析,探讨发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)患者髋臼形态的病理变化特点。方法笔者自2011-05—2015-03对53例(106髋)发育性髋关节发育不良患者进行MRI扫描检查,选取69髋为试验组,选取30例(30髋)双侧髋关节完全正常儿童为对照组,测量对照组及试验组髋关节的骨性髋臼指数(BAI)、软骨髋臼指数(CAI)、前骨性髋臼指数(ABAI)、前软骨性髋臼指数(ACAI)、后骨性髋臼指数(PBAI)、后软骨性髋臼指数(PCAI)、骨性髋臼前倾角(BAAV)、软骨性髋臼前倾角(CAAV),分析年龄与髋关节MRI测量指数的相关性、各组间MRI测量指数的差异及相关性特点。结果对照组年龄与BAI(r=-0.715)、CAI(r=-0.597)存在负相关;试验组BAI、CAI、ABAI、ACAI、BAAV、CAAV与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),其中BAI、CAI在试验组亚组中Ⅱ度、Ⅲ度与Ⅰ度之间差异有统计学意义(P0.05),ABAI仅在试验组亚组Ⅰ度与Ⅲ度之间差异有统计学意义(P0.05),ACAI、BAAV与CAAV在试验组诸亚组之间差异无统计学意义;试验组(r=0.384)及对照组(r=0.551)的BAI与CAI之间存在正相关。结论 MRI可以有效评价髋臼形态改变;髋臼软骨相对年龄变化更为稳定,评价髋关节形态更为准确;DDH患者髋臼骨性及软骨性缺损主要位于髋臼外上缘及前缘,软骨性改变与骨性改变相关而非完全同步。