Developmental dysplasia of the hip in children with Down syndrome: comparison of clinical and radiological examinations in a local cohort.

Guidelines for children with Down syndrome (DS) suggest to perform an annual hip screening to enable early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). How to perform this screening is not described. Delayed detection can result in disabling osteoarthritis of the hip. Therefore, we determined the association between clinical history, physical, and radiological examination in diagnosing DDH in children with DS. Referral centers for children with DS were interviewed to explore variety of hip examination throughout the Netherlands. Clinical features of 96 outclinic children were retrospectively collected. Clinical history was taken, physical examination was performed, and X-ray of the hip was analyzed. All the referral centers performed physical examination and clinical history; however, 20% performed X-ray. Following physical examination according to Galeazzi test 26.9% and to limited abduction 10.8% of the outclinic-studied children were at risk for DDH. Radiological examination showed moderate or severe abnormal deviating migration rate of 14.6% resp. 11.5% in the right and left hip. However, no association between clinical history, physical examination, and radiological examination was found.Conclusion: Clinical history and physical examination are insufficient to timely detect DDH in children with Down syndrome. Thereby regular radiological examination of the hip is advised. What is Known: • Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in people with Down syndrome (DS) develops during childhood. • Guidelines for medical support of children with DS suggest an annual hip screening to enable early detection of hip damaging. How to perform this annual screening is not described. What is New: • This study shows no association between clinical history, physical and radiological examination of the hip. • We recommend regular radiological examination of the hip in children with DS in order to identify DDH early up to 16 years of age.

Diagnosing Developmental Dysplasia of Hip in Newborns Using Clinical Screen and Ultrasound of Hips-An Indian Experience.

AIM: To study the cost-effectiveness of clinical screen with ultrasonography (USG) of hip for diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in newborns. METHODS: Retrospective study (2006-14). Term newborns had (i) target scan at 6 weeks-family history of DDH or breech presentation-and (ii) early scan-abnormal clinical screen. RESULTS: In all, 736 babies had USG scan. Five early scans (Graf's classification; three Type IIA, one Type IIC and one Type IIIB] and 15 target scans (Type IIA) were reported abnormal. All Type IIA DDH had subsequent 12 weeks' scans normal. Babies with Type IIIB and IIC had hip reduction surgery at 6 and 16 months of age, respectively. At cost 200 INR/scan, total 147 200 INR was incurred against two possible hip replacements prevented. CONCLUSION: Universal clinical screen with USG of hip can aid in early diagnosis of DDH in newborns. Large population-based studies from developing countries need to look in its cost-effectiveness.

Cochrane Review: Screening programmes for developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborn infants.

BACKGROUND: Uncorrected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is associated with long-term morbidity such as gait abnormalities, chronic pain and degenerative arthritis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of different screening programmes for DDH on the incidence of late presentation of congenital hip dislocation. SEARCH METHODS: Searches were performed in CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE and EMBASE (January 2011) supplemented by searches of clinical trial registries, conference proceedings, cross references and contacting expert informants. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, quasi-randomised or cluster trials comparing the effectiveness of screening programmes for DDH. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three independent review authors assessed study eligibility and quality, and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: No study examined the effect of screening (clinical and/or ultrasound) and early treatment versus not screening and later treatment. One study reported universal ultrasound compared to clinical examination alone did not result in a significant reduction in late diagnosed DDH or surgery but was associated with a significant increase in treatment. One study reported targeted ultrasound compared to clinical examination alone did not result in a significant reduction in late diagnosed DDH or surgery, with no significant difference in rate of treatment. Meta-analysis of two studies found universal ultrasound compared to targeted ultrasound did not result in a significant reduction in late diagnosed DDH or surgery. There was heterogeneity between studies reporting the effect on treatment rate. Meta-analysis of two studies found delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting compared to immediate splinting of infants with unstable (but not dislocated) hips resulted in no significant difference in the rate of late diagnosed DDH. Both studies reported a significant reduction in treatment with use of delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting. One study reported delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting compared to immediate splinting of infants with mild hip dysplasia on ultrasound resulted in no significant difference in late diagnosed DDH but a significant reduction in treatment. No infants in either group received surgery. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to give clear recommendations for practice. There is inconsistent evidence that universal ultrasound results in a significant increase in treatment compared to the use of targeted ultrasound or clinical examination alone. Neither of the ultrasound strategies have been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes including late diagnosed DDH and surgery. The studies are substantially underpowered to detect significant differences in the uncommon event of late detected DDH or surgery. For infants with unstable hips or mildly dysplastic hips, use of delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting reduces treatment without significantly increasing the rate of late diagnosed DDH or surgery. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Screening methods for dislocated or improperly formed hips in newborn infants The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. Newborns may have hips that are not in their socket (dislocated) or hips that are improperly formed (dysplasia). Risk factors for hip dysplasia include a family history of a similar problem and female infants delivered in the breech position. The hips of most newborns will be examined clinically after birth and during infancy to determine whether they are stable, unstable or dislocated. Screening for hip dysplasia may prevent the need for late treatment, which is associated with long term hip deformity, gait disturbance and arthritis. However, early screening leads to increased treatment. Treatment may be complicated by damage to the hip due to impairment of the blood supply (avascular necrosis). This review found no studies that compared the benefits and costs of early screening versus not screening for hip problems. Studies that compared the addition of ultrasound to clinical examination reported that when ultrasound was performed on all infants, the rate of treatment increased with no significant difference in rate of late detected dysplasia or surgery. Targeted ultrasound to infants at high risk of hip dysplasia did not significantly increase the rate of treatment but also did not significantly reduce the rate of late detected dysplasia or surgery. It is not possible to give clear recommendations for hip screening of newborn infants from the available evidence. Where infants are clinically detected as having unstable but not dislocated hips, or are detected on ultrasound to have mild hip dysplasia, there is evidence that delaying treatment by two to eight weeks reduces the need for treatment without a significant increase in late diagnosed dysplasia or surgery.

Prevention of hip dysplasia in children and adults.

Klisic and Pajic summarized the history of early diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia when they wrote, Devising the preventive approach to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) required much time.... Despite the 2400-year-old suggestion made by Hippocrates that children's hip dislocations are curable if treatment is started very early, the preventive approach was proposed by Roser only in 1879 [who] described early diagnosis in newborns and performed reduction by abduction... He also advocated early treatment by fixing babies' hips in abduction. However, surgeons did not readily accept these proposals, despite the good results shown by Froelich in 1906 and Le Damany in 1911. In 1927, Putti succeeded in interesting some orthopedic surgeons in the procedure by showing the results of early treatment. But the practical problem remained: ie, how to detect the DDH in patients at an early age. The turning point came in 1935 when pediatrician Ortolani introduced early detection of DDH by "early clinical search" shortly after a child's birth, instructing obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives to perform the search. Rediscovering the diagnostic "segno della scatto," ie, reducible displacement, he popularized the prophylactic approach to DDH by early detection and treatment. Fifteen years later, another pediatrician, Palmen, organized systematic screening in nurseries by pediatricians. Since Klisic and Pajic wrote this in 1993, the use of ultrasound, albeit still controversial in some ways, has influenced the treatment and prevention of DDH. Klisic's attempts to universally prevent the disease may still be able to be incorporated into further efforts at disease prevention through education and the systematic trials of hip abduction pillows or braces similar to his wide-diaper diapering technique. The goal of prevention is to eradicate a disease so that it does not present to the physician. For DDH, this goal may be tenable.

Strategies to improve outcomes from operative childhood management of DDH.

The operative management of DDH is technically challenging. To achieve excellent results, surgeons need to select the most appropriate operative treatment, minimize the risk of complications, and be aggressive in the management of serious complications, such as redislocation and AVN, when they occur. We have described specific steps and strategies to assist in each of these key steps.

[Systematic struggle to eradicate developmental displacement of the hip in newborns in the regions of Kula and Vrbas].

INTRODUCTION: Successful treatment of developmental displacement of the hip (DDH) depends on early diagnosis. Clinical screening of all newborns is a useful tool and should be encouraged in everyday practice, because DDH has a high prevalence and significant morbidity. Clinical exam is an important part of early diagnosis, but insufficient. Ultrasound exam is more sensitive in early diagnosis of DDH. OBJECTIVE: Systematic struggle against DDH by means of early detection and treatment begins in neonatology units, and continues in primary healthcare centres. METHODS: Methodology consists of personal history, clinical exam, ultrasonography and radiography. After these procedures, treatment is advised if necessary. Basically, DDH treatment is atraumatic involving abduction pillow, Von Rosen abduction device, Pavlik harnesses. RESULTS: During 2007 and 2008, screening examination was performed in 769 boys (51.47%) and 725 girls (58.52%), born at the Medical Center "Veljko Vlahovic" in Vrbas. A total of 1,494 neonates or 2,988 hips were examined. Ultrasonographically, a normal type Ia was found in 406 hips (13.60%), intermediate type Ib in 2,014 hips (67.40%), immature type IIa+ in 374 hips (12.50%), unstable type IIg in 39 hips (1.30%), decentering IId in 52 hips (1.70%), and eccentric types III and IV in 35 hips (1.20%). Of 2988 examined hips, normal finding was detected in 2794 (93.50%) and pathological finding (DDH) was found in 194 (6.50%). Ultrasonographical findings were determined according to Graph classification. CONCLUSION: The frequency of DDH in the regions of Vrbas and Kula above 5% (6.50%) presents a social and medical problem in children of these locations. Eradication, early detection and treatment involve systematic examinations (clinical, sonographical and radiographical) in the first year of life. Treatment has to be initiated in a neonatal unit by atraumatic means. The team work including a gynaecologist, neonatologist and paediatric orthopaedic surgeon is crucial.

Neonatal foot deformities and their relationship to developmental dysplasia of the hip: an 11-year prospective, longitudinal observational study.

In a prospective study over 11 years we assessed the relationship between neonatal deformities of the foot and the presence of ultrasonographic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2006, 614 infants with deformities of the foot were referred for clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation. There were 436 cases of postural talipes equinovarus deformity (TEV), 60 of fixed congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), 93 of congenital talipes calcaneovalgus (CTCV) and 25 of metatarsus adductus. The overall risk of ultrasonographic dysplasia or instability was 1:27 in postural TEV, 1:8.6 in CTEV, 1:5.2 in CTCV and 1:25 in metatarsus adductus. The risk of type-IV instability of the hip or irreducible dislocation was 1:436 (0.2%) in postural TEV, 1:15.4 (6.5%) in CTCV and 1:25 (4%) in metatarsus adductus. There were no cases of hip instability (type IV) or of irreducible dislocation in the CTEV group. Routine screening for DDH in cases of postural TEV and CTEV is no longer advocated. The former is poorly defined, leading to the over-diagnosis of a possibly spurious condition. Ultrasonographic imaging and surveillance of hips in infants with CTCV and possibly those with metatarsus adductus should continue.

Luxación congénita de cadera: displasia evolutiva de la cadera (DEC) / Congenital dislocation of the hip: developmental displasia of the hip

The change of denomination of congenital hip luxation for evolutionary hip displasia is defined and explained, it incluyes luxation, subluxation and hip instability. The frequencies of this pathology in the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile is reported. The finds of significant major frequency in female newborn children, breech presentation and left hip are communicated. Thefamily base of this pathology is confirmed. The recommendations of the experts’ Committee of the American Academy of pediatrics and those of the health department of Chile are given. It is emphasized that the diagnosis must be as precocious as possible and that the best method of diagnosis is Ortolani’s or Barlow maneuver, done by a professional of experience. It is indicated the oportunity in which the ultrasound scan and the hip X-ray must be done, also the recommended treatment. The use of the double diaper is scorned and its possible sequels arecommented.

Ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in the newborn: a population-based study in the Maribor region, 1997-2005.

AIM: Ultrasound imaging has become an accepted tool for accurate diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and for its management. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the results of the general neonatal hip screening program in Maribor between 1997 and 2005 in comparison with earlier reported results for our region, where this program was introduced in 1985. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the total number of 17,846 newborns born in our maternity hospital, 17,393 were included in the study during the nine-year period. All hips were examined by ultrasonography within the first week of life. Data for 2.5% of newborns were not available. The incidence of sonographic hip types according to the Graf method was analyzed, together with the sex distribution, lateralization of hip pathology and treatment recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 34,786 hips were evaluated sonographically: 84.9% of hips were mature at first examination (Graf types Ia and Ib), 14.1% were immature (Graf type IIa) and 1.1% were pathological (Graf types IIc or worse). In the group of pathological hips, girls were more frequently affected than boys (3.9:1) and the left hip was more frequently affected than the right (1.2:1). The incidence of hip types IIc or worse decreased sevenfold throughout the observation period, from 2.1 in 1997 to 0.3 in 2005. This distribution of hip types resulted in an average treatment rate of 18 newborns per 1000 live borns, down from 42 treated hips per 1000 newborns in 1997 to 6 hips per 1000 in 2005. During this nine-year period, only 19 children required surgical treatment for DDH before the age of three years. CONCLUSION: In our region, general ultrasound hip screening of newborns for DDH seems to be effective in reducing the overall treatment rate. The number of surgical procedures has remained stable during the past nine-year screening period and is lower than in the pre-ultrasound era.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip. Prevention and real incidence.

OBJECTIVE: The controversy over the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) stems mainly from an ambiguity of criteria for defining a genuinely pathologic neonatal hip. The aim of this study was to identify those neonatal hips which, if left untreated, would develop any kind of dysplasia and, therefore, are to be included in the determination of DDH incidence. METHODS: Clinical and ultrasonographic examinations for DDH were performed on 4356 neonatal hips. Newborns with skeletal deformities, neurologic/muscular disorders, and neural tube defects were excluded. Hips that featured any type of sonographic pathology were reexamined at 2 or 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the findings. Only hips in which the initial pathology was not improved or had deteriorated were treated; all others were examined periodically until the age of 12 months. RESULTS: Sonographic screening of 4356 hips detected 301 instances of deviation from normal, indicating a sonographic DDH incidence of 69.5 per 1000. However, only 21 hips remained abnormal and required treatment, indicating a true DDH incidence of 4.8 per 1000 hips. All the others evolved into normal hips, and no additional instances of DDH were found on follow-up throughout the 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: These findings enables us to distinguish two categories of neonatal hip pathology: one that eventually develops into a normal hip (essentially sonographic DDH); and another that will deteriorate into a hip with some kind of dysplasia, including full dislocation (true DDH). This approach seems to allow for a better-founded definition of DDH, for an appropriate determination of its incidence, for decision-making regarding treatment, and for assessment of the cost-effectiveness of screening programs for the early detection of DDH (Tab. 2, Ref. 15).

Screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

The reported prevalence of established dislocation the hip in an unscreened population varies from 0.7 to 1.6 / 1000 children in European and American white populations. In clinically screened populations neonatal hip instability is reported to occur in 3 to 30 / 1000 newborns while established congenital dislocation has a prevalence of 0.1- 4/1000 of which 1/1000 is judged to be in need for surgery. Early diagnosis of DDH is essential for successful treatment and later prognosis of the disorder. Combined procedure including evaluation of both hip morphology and hip stability is currently recommended. Opinions differ about the need for universal versus selective sonographic screening for diagnosis of DDH. Currently selective screening of those infants with recognised risk factors and those with abnormal physical examination would be cost-effective and the only practicable method for most countries.

[Hip joint development after treatment the developmental dislocation with overhead traction]. / Ocena stawu biodrowego po leczeniu rozwojowej dysplazji wyciagiem ponad glowa.

Despite the fact that ultrasound of children's hips is widely used for screening, late diagnosed cases of developmental dislocation of the hip are still a common problem in the orthopaedic practice. The aim of the study is to review final clinical and radiological outcomes of treatment of DDH with overhead traction and closed reduction after skeletal growth. Clinical records and radiograms of 107 hips (81 children) were retrospectively reviewed. All of them were treated according to the same program: overhead traction (about 2 weeks), followed by closed reduction, modified Lorenz cast (2 months) and finally cast in Lange position (3 months). Average age of children was 14.2 months at the beginning of treatment and 20.7 years at last visit. Good and very good results were found in 80% of cases according to final radiological assessment of Severin and in 91% according functional classification of Harris. Avascular necrosis of femoral head according to Bucholz-Ogden classification system was identified in one third of patients. Functional results are better than radiological, but deteriorated with time especially in hips with residual dysplasia and AVN due to development of early, secondary degenerative changes.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: definition, recognition, and prevention of late sequelae.

When a child presents with a dislocated hip after the walking age, parents are upset, pediatricians are distraught, and lawsuits often follow. The prevention of late presentation is a goal that all practitioners should strive for. However, at this time, using current diagnostic techniques, the late presentation of DDH can be minimized but not eliminated. The AAP Subcommittee on DDH has estimated that approximately 15% of DDH at birth is not detectible, even by experienced examiners or ultrasonographers. In addition to preventing the late presentation of a developmentally dislocated hip, the prevention of premature degenerative arthritis of the hip secondary to developmental subluxation and acetabular dysplasia is equally, if not more, important in terms or morbidity and cost. It is hoped that the identification and treatment of babies with DDH at birth will have the added benefit of decreasing the incidence of degenerative arthritis of the hip in adults. As the key to early detection remains repeated, careful examination of the infant in the first year of life, it is imperative for practitioners to become as skilled as possible in performing the exam. Unfortunately, medical school curricula and pediatric and family practice residency programs often are deficient in teaching the neonatal hip examination. Strategies for clinicians to improve their examination technique include asking a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to demonstrate the examination in their nursery or attending one of the AAP courses on DDH. Starting a formal DDH screening program in the nursery is another option, using few screeners to maximize their experience. Nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, and physiotherapists could be used in addition to physicians. Having a child present with a developmentally dislocated hip after the walking age is not malpractice if the child has had repeated careful examinations. It is important to document the examinations in writing, rather than placing a check mark next to "musculoskeletal" or "hips" on standard, pre-printed exam forms. The best documentation is a handwritten note that states "the hips are stable and there is wide symmetrical abduction" at every well-child visit. At this time, careful, repeated physical exam supplemented by ultrasonography or X-rays for babies with risk factors is our best strategy to minimize the late presentation of DDH.

[Knowledge and attitude of nursing and midwifery college students on developmental dysplasia of the hip]. / Hemsirelik ve ebelik bölümü ögrencilerinde gelisimsel kalça displazisi konusundaki bilgi ve tutumun degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: It is of special importance to educate families and health care providers, in particular midwives and nurses who are in close and frequent contact with families, for the prevention and early diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A knowledge and attitude study was conducted concerning DDH among students of Nursing and Midwifery College of Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam University. METHODS: A structured form was prepared consisting of 28 statements about medical and practical knowledge and traditional attitudes with regard to DDH and was administered to 232 voluntary students before and after an educational session of 60 minutes by a specialist in orthopedics. Prior to the study, the students of grade I and II had not received any theoretical or practical lectures about DDH, which were included in the curriculum of grades III and IV. RESULTS: The knowledge of the students about risk factors and prevention strategies for DDH was of a moderate level. They were not sufficiently furnished with information about traditional attitudes and applications that predispose infants to DDH. The mean test scores before and after training were 51.52+/-13.90 and 87.86+/-5.90, respectively (p=0.000). Compared to grade III and IV students, grade I students performed significantly less in the former test (p=0.00); however, the scores of the latter test did not differ significantly between the grades (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The curriculum during the license education of midwives and nurses should include essential information on traditional attitudes. With sufficient knowledge and application skills, midwives and nurses may play an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of DDH in our country.