Sequelae of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in infancy. However there are few reports of long term effects of successfully treated DDH. Incidence of DDH in neonatal period is approximately 1-10/1000 depending on screening protocols used, the age of the infant during screening and which ultrasonographic findings are considered normal and which DDH. The prevalence of hip dysplasia in adult population is grossly 4 % when using Wibergs Centre-Edge (CE) ≤ 20° as definition of dysplasia. It is still unclear, what is the relation between adult acetabular dysplasia and developmental dysplasia in children. Hip dysplasia overall is a major contributing factor in hip osteoarthrosis and total hip replacement in young adults.

The aim of this study is to assess long term effects of developmental dysplasia of the hip to overall health and quality of life later in life. We compare hip radiographs, hip symptoms, clinical examination, head asymmetry, dental examination and intraoral scans of 170 children and young adults treated for DDH in their early childhood with age and sex matched controls.

Inclusion criteria

for person treated for DDH:

• DDH has been diagnosed by clinical examination, ultrasound examination or by radiological examination and treatment begun before age of 1,5 years.
• Treated in Oulu University Hospital

Exclusion criteria

• neurological or developmental condition which can influence hip development such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida
• other significant congenital anomalies of musculoskeletal system such as club feet