Aims. Hip dysplasia (HD) leads to premature osteoarthritis. Timely detection and correction of HD has been shown to improve pain, functional status, and hip longevity. Several time-consuming radiological measurements are currently used to confirm HD. An artificial intelligence (AI) software named HIPPO automatically locates anatomical landmarks on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and performs the needed measurements. The primary aim of this study was to assess the reliability of this tool as compared to multi-reader evaluation in clinically proven cases of adult HD. The secondary aims were to assess the time savings achieved and evaluate inter-reader assessment. Methods. A consecutive preoperative sample of 130 HD patients (256 hips) was used. This cohort included 82.3% females (n = 107) and 17.7% males (n = 23) with median patient age of 28.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 22.5 to 37.2). Three trained readers’ measurements were compared to AI outputs of lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle, pelvic obliquity, Tönnis angle, Sharp’s angle, and femoral head coverage. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses were obtained. Results. Among 256 hips with AI outputs, all six hip AI measurements were successfully obtained. The AI-reader correlations were generally good (ICC 0.60 to 0.74) to excellent (ICC > 0.75). There was lower agreement for CCD angle measurement. Most widely used measurements for HD diagnosis (LCEA and Tönnis angle) demonstrated good to excellent inter-method reliability (ICC 0.71 to 0.86 and 0.82 to 0.90, respectively). The median reading time for the three readers and AI was 212 (IQR 197 to 230), 131 (IQR 126 to 147), 734 (IQR 690 to 786), and 41 (IQR 38 to 44) seconds, respectively. Conclusion. This study showed that AI-based software demonstrated reliable radiological assessment of patients with HD with significant interpretation-related time savings. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):877–884

Aims. Open reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is regularly performed despite screening programmes, due to failure of treatment or late presentation. A protocol for open reduction of DDH has been refined through collaboration between surgical, anaesthetic, and nursing teams to allow same day discharge. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of performing open reduction of DDH as a day case. Methods. A prospectively collected departmental database was visited. All consecutive surgical cases of DDH between June 2015 and March 2020 were collected. Closed reductions, bilateral cases, cases requiring corrective osteotomy, and children with comorbidities were excluded. Data collected included demographics, safety outcome measures (blood loss, complications, readmission, reduction confirmation), and feasibility for discharge according to the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolidability (FLACC) pain scale. A satisfaction questionnaire was filled by the carers. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results. Out of 168 consecutive DDH cases, 16 patients fit the inclusion criteria (age range 10 to 26 months, 13 female). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from "minimal" to 120 ml, and there were no complications or readmissions. The FLACC score was 0 for all patients. The carers satisfaction questionnaire expressed high satisfaction from the experience with adequate information and support provided. Conclusion. Open reduction in DDH, without corrective osteotomy, is safe and feasible to be managed as a day case procedure. It requires a clear treatment pathway, analgesia, sufficient counselling, and communication with carers. It is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic when reduced length of hospital stay is likely to be safer for both patient and their parents. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2021;2(4):271–277

Aims. To assess if congenital foot deformity is a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. Between 1996 and 2012, 60,844 children were born in Sør-Trøndelag county in Norway. In this cohort study, children with risk factors for DDH were examined using ultrasound. The risk factors evaluated were clinical hip instability, breech delivery, a family history of DDH, a foot deformity, and some syndromes. As the aim of the study was to examine the risk for DDH and foot deformity in the general population, children with syndromes were excluded. The information has been prospectively registered and retrospectively analyzed. Results. Overall, 494 children (0.8%) had DDH, and 1,132 (1.9%) a foot deformity. Of the children with a foot deformity, 49 (4.3%) also demonstrated DDH. There was a statistically significant increased association between DDH and foot deformity (p < 0.001). The risk of DDH was highest for talipes calcaneovalgus (6.1%) and club foot (3.5%), whereas metatarsus adductus (1.5%) had a marginal increased risk of DDH. Conclusion. Compared with the general population, children with a congenital foot deformity had a significantly increased risk for DDH and therefore we regard foot deformity as a true risk factor for DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1582–1586

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. The study analyzed a consecutive series of 69 patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted THA between September 2018 and December 2019. Of these, 30 patients had DDH and were classified according to the Crowe type. Acetabular component alignment and 3D positions were measured using pre- and postoperative CT data. The absolute differences of cup alignment and 3D position were compared between DDH and non-DDH patients. Moreover, these differences were analyzed in relation to the severity of DDH. The discrepancy of leg length and combined offset compared with contralateral hip were measured. Results. The mean values of absolute differences (postoperative CT-preoperative plan) were 1.7° (standard deviation (SD) 2.0) (inclination) and 2.5° (SD 2.1°) (anteversion) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between non-DDH and DDH patients. The mean absolute differences for 3D cup position were 1.1 mm (SD 1.0) (coronal plane) and 1.2 mm (SD 2.1) (axial plane) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between two groups. No significant difference was found either in cup alignment between postoperative CT and navigation record after cup screws or in the severity of DDH. Excellent restoration of leg length and combined offset were achieved in both groups. Conclusion. We demonstrated that robotic-assisted THA may achieve precise cup positioning in DDH patients, and may be useful in those with severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):629–638

Aims. The effect of pelvic tilt (PT) and sagittal balance in hips with pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with acetabular retroversion (AR) is controversial. It is unclear if patients with AR have a rotational abnormality of the iliac wing. Therefore, we asked: are parameters for sagittal balance, and is rotation of the iliac wing, different in patients with AR compared to a control group?; and is there a correlation between iliac rotation and acetabular version?. Methods. A retrospective, review board-approved, controlled study was performed including 120 hips in 86 consecutive patients with symptomatic FAI or hip dysplasia. Pelvic CT scans were reviewed to calculate parameters for sagittal balance (pelvic incidence (PI), PT, and sacral slope), anterior pelvic plane angle, pelvic inclination, and external rotation of the iliac wing and were compared to a control group (48 hips). The 120 hips were allocated to the following groups: AR (41 hips), hip dysplasia (47 hips) and cam FAI with normal acetabular morphology (32 hips). Subgroups of total AR (15 hips) and high acetabular anteversion (20 hips) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. Results. PI and PT were significantly decreased comparing AR (PI 42° (SD 10°), PT 4° (SD 5°)) with dysplastic hips (PI 55° (SD 12°), PT 10° (SD 6°)) and with the control group (PI 51° (SD 9°) and PT 13° (SD 7°)) (p < 0.001). External rotation of the iliac wing was significantly increased comparing AR (29° (SD 4°)) with dysplastic hips (20°(SD 5°)) and with the control group (25° (SD 5°)) (p < 0.001). Correlation between external rotation of the iliac wing and acetabular version was significant and strong (r = 0.81; p < 0.001). Correlation between PT and acetabular version was significant and moderate (r = 0.58; p < 0.001). Conclusion. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of hip pain in a sitting position and extra-articular subspine FAI of patients with AR. These patients have increased iliac external rotation, a rotational abnormality of the iliac wing. This has implications for surgical therapy with hip arthroscopy and acetabular rim trimming or anteverting periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):813–824

Aims. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a pathological relationship between the femoral head and acetabulum. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) may be used to treat this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of PAO in adolescents and adults with persistent DDH. Methods. Patients were divided into four groups: A, adolescents who had not undergone surgery for DDH in childhood (25 hips); B, adolescents who had undergone surgery for DDH in childhood (20 hips); C, adults with DDH who had not undergone previous surgery (80 hips); and D, a control group of patients with healthy hips (70 hips). The radiological evaluation of digital anteroposterior views of hips included the Wiberg angle (centre-edge angle (CEA)), femoral head cover (FHC), medialization, distalization, and the ilioischial angle. Clinical assessment involved the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and gluteal muscle performance assessment. Results. Significant improvements in radiological parameters were achieved in all measurements in all groups (p < 0.05). The greatest improvement was in CEA (mean of 19° (17.2° to 22.3°) in Group B), medialization (mean of 3 mm (0.9 to 5.2) in Group C), distalization (mean of 6 mm (3.5 to 8.2) in Group B), FHC (mean of 17% (12.7% to 21.2%) in Group B), and ilioischial angle (mean of 5° (2.3° to 8.1°) in Group B). There were significant improvements in the mean HHS and gluteal muscle performance scores postoperatively in all three groups. Conclusion. The greatest correction of radiological parameters and clinical outcomes was found in patients who had undergone hip surgery in childhood. Although the surgical treatment of DDH in childhood makes subsequent hip surgery more difficult due to scarring, adhesions, and altered anatomy, it requires less correction of the deformity and has a beneficial effect on the outcome of PAO in adolescence and early adulthood. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):775–780

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of guided growth and varus osteotomy in treating Kalamchi type II avascular necrosis (AVN) after open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. This retrospective study reviewed patients undergoing guided growth or varus osteotomy for Kalamchi type II AVN between September 2009 and January 2019. All children who had undergone open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for DDH with a minimum two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Demographic and radiological data, which included the head-shaft angle (HSA), neck-shaft angle (NSA), articulotrochanteric distance (ATD), Sharp angle (SA), and lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) at baseline, two years, and at the extended follow-up, were compared. Revision rates were evaluated. Clinical outcomes using the Harris Hip Score were assessed two years postoperatively. Results. A total of 24 patients underwent guided growth and 19 underwent varus osteotomy, over a mean period of 3.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8 to 3.8) and 5.2 years (95% CI 4.5 to 6.0), respectively. There were no differences in demographic and preoperative radiological data, except for a younger age at time of acetabuloplasty and larger ATD for the osteotomy group. The HSA did not differ at two years and the extended follow-up because of postoperative rebound in the osteotomy group. The NSA of the osteotomy group remained smaller postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the follow-up ATD, SA, and LCEA, except for a smaller two-year ATD of the osteotomy group. Seven patients (29.2%) in the guided growth group underwent revision surgery and none in the osteotomy group. The Harris Hip Score was similar between groups. Conclusion. Guided growth and varus osteotomy had comparable results in improving caput valgum deformity, given the rebound of lateral tilting of the physis after osteotomy correction. There were no differences in clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):902–908

Aims. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a complex musculoskeletal disease that occurs mostly in children. This study aimed to investigate the molecular changes in the hip joint capsule of patients with DDH. Methods. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed in hip joint capsules between healthy controls and DDH patients. Biological assays including cell cycle, viability, apoptosis, immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting were performed to determine the roles of the differentially expressed genes in DDH pathology. Results. More than 1,000 genes were differentially expressed in hip joint capsules between healthy controls and DDH. Both gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications, muscle system processes, and cell proliferation were markedly influenced by the differentially expressed genes. Expression of Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1), COL3A1, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP3, MMP9, and MMP13 was downregulated in DDH, with the loss of collagen fibres in the joint capsule. Expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was downregulated, while that of TGF-β2, Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3), and WNT11 were upregulated in DDH, and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a key myofibroblast marker, showed marginal increase. In vitro studies showed that fibroblast proliferation was suppressed in DDH, which was associated with cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Cell cycle regulators including Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), Cyclin E2 (CCNE2), Cyclin A2 (CCNA2), Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), E2F1, cell division cycle 6 (CDC6), and CDC7 were downregulated in DDH. Conclusion. DDH is associated with the loss of collagen fibres and fibroblasts, which may cause loose joint capsule formation. However, the degree of differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts needs further study. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(9):558–570

In 2017, the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery engaged the profession and all relevant stakeholders in two formal research prioritization processes. In this editorial, we describe the impact of this prioritization on funding, and how research in children’s orthopaedics, which was until very recently a largely unfunded and under-investigated area, is now flourishing. Establishing research priorities was a crucial step in this process.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):422–424.

Aims. The most important complication of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, which can result in proximal femoral growth disturbances leading to pain, dysfunction, and eventually to early onset osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to identify morphological variants in hip joint development that are predictive of a poor outcome. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who developed AVN after DDH treatment, either by closed and/or open reduction, at a single institution between 1984 and 2007 with a minimal follow-up of eight years. Standard pelvis radiographs obtained at ages one, two, three, five, and eight years, and at latest follow-up were retrieved. The Bucholz-Ogden classification was used to determine the type of AVN on all radiographs. Poor outcome was defined by Severin classification grade 3 or above on the latest follow-up radiographs and/or the need for secondary surgery. With statistical shape modelling, we identified the different shape variants of the hip at each age. Logistic regression analysis was used to associate the different modes or shape variants with poor outcome. Results. In all, 135 patients with AVN were identified, with a minimum of eight years of follow-up. Mean age at time of surgery was 7.0 months (SD 0.45), and mean follow-up was 13.3 years (SD 3.7). Overall, 46% had AVN type 1 while 54% type 2 or higher. More than half of the patients (52.6%) had a poor outcome. We found 11 shape variants that were significantly associated with a poor outcome. These shape variants were predominantly linked to AVN type 2 or higher. Conclusion. Specific morphological characteristics on pelvis radiographs of AVN hips were predictive for poor outcome, at a very young age. There was an overall stronger association to Bucholz-Ogden types 2-3-4 with the exception of two modes at age two and five years, linked to AVN type 1. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):999–1004

The association between idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) and developmental dysplasia of the hip is uncertain. We present an observational cohort study spanning 6.5 years of selective ultrasound screening of hips in clubfoot. From 119 babies with CTEV there were nine cases of hip dysplasia, in seven individuals. This suggests that 1 in 17 babies with CTEV will have underlying hip dysplasia. This study supports selective ultrasound screening of hips in infants with CTEV

Aims. The goal of closed reduction (CR) in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is to achieve and maintain concentricity of the femoral head in the acetabulum. However, concentric reduction is not immediately attainable in all hips and it remains controversial to what degree a non-concentric reduction is acceptable. This prospective study is aimed at investigating the dynamic evolution of the hip joint space after CR in DDH using MRI. Methods. A consecutive series of patients with DDH who underwent CR since March 2014 were studied. Once the safety and stability were deemed adequate intraoperatively, reduction was accepted regardless of concentricity. Concentricity was defined when the superior joint space (SJS) and medial joint space (MJS) were both less than 2 mm, based on MRI. A total of 30 children, six boys and 24 girls, involving 35 hips, were recruited for the study. The mean age at CR was 13.7 months (3.5 to 27.6) and the mean follow-up was 49.5 months (approximately four years) (37 to 60). The joint space was evaluated along with the interval between the inverted and everted limbus. Results. Only three hips (8.6%) were fully concentric immediately after CR. During follow-up, 24 hips (68.6%) and 27 hips (77.1%) became concentric at six months and one year, respectively. Immediate SJS after CR decreased from 3.51 mm to 0.79 mm at six months follow-up (p = 0.001). SJS in the inverted group decreased from 3.75 mm to 0.97 mm at six months follow-up. SJS or MJS in the everted group were less than those in the inverted group at each time of follow-up (p = 0.008, p = 0.002). Conclusion. A stable, safe but non-concentric reduction achieved before the age of two years appears to improve over time with nearly 80% of hips becoming fully concentric by one year. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):618–626

Aims. A clicky hip is a common referral for clinical and sonographic screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). There is controversy regarding whether it represents a true risk factor for pathological DDH. Therefore a 20-year prospective, longitudinal, observational study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the presence of a neonatal clicky hip and pathological DDH. Patients and Methods. A total of 362 infants from 1997 to 2016 were referred with clicky hips to our ‘one-stop’ paediatric hip screening clinic. Hips were assessed clinically for instability and by ultrasound imaging using a simplified Graf/Harcke classification. Dislocated or dislocatable hips were classified as Graf Type IV hips. Results. The mean age at presentation was 13.8 weeks (12.8 to 14.7). In all 351 out of 362 children (97.0%) had Graf Type I hips (normal) that required no treatment. Nine children (2.5%) had Graf Type II hips but all resolved to Graf Type I hips on follow-up scans. One child (0.3%) had Graf Type III hip dysplasia and one child (0.3%) had an irreducible hip dislocation. The two pathological hips were associated with unilateral limited hip abduction. Mean referrals increased from 12.9 to 23.3 each year (p = 0.002) from the first decade of the study to the second, driven by increasing primary care referrals (5.5 versus 16.7 per year, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Most clicky hips required no treatment other than reassurance to parents. Clicky hips with a normal hip examination should be considered a variant of normal childhood and not a risk factor for DDH. However, an abnormal hip examination including unilateral limited hip abduction should prompt urgent further investigations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1533–6

Aims. The diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging owing to extensive variation in paediatric pelvic anatomy. Artificial intelligence (AI) may represent an effective diagnostic tool for DDH. Here, we aimed to develop an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph deep learning system for diagnosing DDH in children and analyze the feasibility of its application. Methods. In total, 10,219 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were retrospectively collected from April 2014 to December 2018. Clinicians labelled each radiograph using a uniform standard method. Radiographs were grouped according to age and into ‘dislocation’ (dislocation and subluxation) and ‘non-dislocation’ (normal cases and those with dysplasia of the acetabulum) groups based on clinical diagnosis. The deep learning system was trained and optimized using 9,081 radiographs; 1,138 test radiographs were then used to compare the diagnoses made by deep learning system and clinicians. The accuracy of the deep learning system was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the consistency of acetabular index measurements was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Results. In all, 1,138 patients (242 males; 896 females; mean age 1.5 years (SD 1.79; 0 to 10) were included in this study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the deep learning system for diagnosing hip dislocation were 0.975, 276/289 (95.5%), and 1,978/1,987 (99.5%), respectively. Compared with clinical diagnoses, the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement for acetabular index, as determined by the deep learning system from the radiographs of non-dislocated and dislocated hips, were -3.27° - 2.94° and -7.36° - 5.36°, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The deep learning system was highly consistent, more convenient, and more effective for diagnosing DDH compared with clinician-led diagnoses. Deep learning systems should be considered for analysis of anteroposterior pelvic radiographs when diagnosing DDH. The deep learning system will improve the current artificially complicated screening referral process. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1574–1581

Aims. The aim of this study was to review the value of accepting referrals for children with ‘clicky hips’ in a selective screening programme for hip dysplasia. Patients and Methods. A single-centre prospective database of all referrals to the hip clinic was examined to identify indication for referrals, diagnosis, and treatment. All patients referred received a standardized ultrasound scan and clinical examination by an orthopaedic consultant. Results. There were 5716 children referred to the orthopaedic hip clinic between 1 June 2014 and 26 September 2018. In all, 1754 children (30.1%) were referred due to ‘clicky hip’ with no additional risk factors or indications for ultrasound scan. A total of 123 children (7.1%) referred with ‘clicky hip’ and no additional risk factors or examination findings had an abnormal initial hip ultrasound, including 16 children (0.9%) with dysplastic hips. Of the 141 children who required treatment in a Pavlik harness during the study period, 23 (16%) had been referred with a ‘clicky hip’ and no additional risk factors or examination findings, including six children with Graf 3 or 4 hips. Conclusion. There is significant value in reviewing children with an isolated ‘clicky hip’. Many children who require treatment are referred to the orthopaedic service as ‘clicky hip’ with no additional risk factors. In a pragmatic pathway with a diverse population of clinicians performing baby checks, ‘clicky hip’ is an important indication for referral and should not be discarded. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:635–638

Aims. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) diagnosed after one-year of age in England, stratified by age, gender, year, and region of diagnosis. Patients and Methods. A descriptive observational study was performed by linking primary and secondary care information from two independent national databases of routinely collected data: the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics. The study examined all children from 1 January 1990 to 1 January 2016 who had a new first diagnostic code for DDH aged between one and eight years old. Results. The incidence of late-diagnosed DDH was 1.28 per 1000 live births. Within the study population, 754 children were identified with a diagnosis of DDH after one-year of age. Of all late diagnoses, 536 (71.1%) were detected between one to two years of age. There were 608 female patients (80.6%) and 146 male patients (19.4%), giving a female-to-male ratio of 4.2:1. Distribution was evenly spread throughout England. Conclusion. The incidence of late-diagnosed DDH has not been reduced from that reported 35 years ago, prior to the introduction of the national selective screening programme for DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:281–287

Aims. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of the different ultrasound phenotypes of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and to determine their subsequent course. Patients and Methods. A consecutive series of 28 092 neonates was screened and classified according to the Graf method as part of a nationwide surveillance programme, and then followed prospectively. Abnormal hips were followed until they became normal (Graf type I). Type IIb hips and higher grades were treated by abduction in a Tübinger orthosis until normal. Dislocated hips underwent closed or open reduction. Results. Overall, 90.2% of hips were normal at birth. Type IIa hips (8.9%) became normal at a median of six weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 6 to 9). Type IIc and IId hips (0.67%) became normal after ten weeks (IQR 7 to 13). There were 19 type lll and eight type lV hips at baseline. There were 24 closed reductions and one open reduction. No late presentations of DDH were detected within the first five years of life. Conclusion. The incidence of DDH was eight per 1000 live births. The treatment rate was 1% (n = 273). The rate of first operations on the newborn hip was 0.86, and rate of open surgery was 0.04. The cumulative rate of open surgery was 0.07. The authors take the view that early identification and treatment in abduction of all dysplastic hips in early childhood reduces the rate of open reduction and secondary DDH-related surgery later in life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1399–1404

We wished to establish whether delivery by Caesarean section influenced the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in term breech infants compared with those delivered vaginally. We used maternal charts, singleton term breech presentation, mode of delivery and incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip for births between January 1997 and October 2002. During the study period 46 089 infants were born. We analysed a total of 941 breech infants of whom 756 were delivered by Caesarean section (515 pre-labour, 241 intrapartum) and 185 vaginally. The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip according to the mode of delivery was 19 of 515 (3.69%) following pre-labour Caesarean section, 16 of 241 (6.64%) for intrapartum Caesarean section and 15 of 185 (8.11%) after vaginal delivery. There was a lower incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip among those infants delivered by elective Caesarean section compared with those delivered vaginally (p < 0.02). These results demonstrate a significantly lower incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in term singleton breech births delivered by elective, pre-labour Caesarean section and suggest that labour and delivery influence hip stability in predisposed infants

The practice of regular radiological follow-up of infants with a positive family history of developmental dysplasia of the hip is based on the widespread belief that primary acetabular dysplasia is a genetic disorder which can occur in the absence of frank subluxation or dislocation. We reviewed all infants who were involved in our screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip, between November 2002 and January 2004, and who had a normal clinical and ultrasound examination of the hip at six to eight weeks of age, but who, because of a family history of developmental dysplasia of the hip, had undergone further radiography after an interval of 6 to 12 months. The radiographs of 89 infants were analysed for signs of late dysplasia of the hip and assessed independently by three observers to allow for variability of measurement. There were 11 infants (11%) lost to follow-up. All the patients had normal radiographs at the final follow-up and none required any intervention. We therefore question the need for routine radiological follow-up of infants with a positive family history of developmental dysplasia of the hip, but who are normal on clinical examination and assessment by ultrasound screening when six to eight weeks old