Risk Factors in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to correlate risk factors, clinical and ultrasound findings in children screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A total of 1448 “at risk” infants were prospectively assessed over a 2-year period. The likelihood of hip dysplasia and instability on ultrasound was increased by an extended breech presentation and the presence of a structural foot deformity. Clinically abnormal hips almost invariably showed ultrasonographic dysplasia or displacement. In our series the ultrasound findings bore no statistically significant correlation with obstetric variables such as labour duration, Caesarean section and induced delivery, or with a positive family history of DDH. We have compared the aetiological significance of the various risk factors and associated clinical findings in the causation of DDH, in an “at risk” population.