Acetabular dysplasia at the age of 1 year in children with neonatal instability of the hip

Prevalence of Acetabular Dysplasia at a Mean age of 18 Years After Treatment for Neonatal hip Instability

BACKGROUND

The long-term radiological outcomes after the treatment of neonatal hip instability (NHI) in developmental dysplasia of the hip are unclear. Therefore, the prevalence of acetabular dysplasia at a mean age of 18 years after treatment was investigated. The relationship between acetabular dysplasia and hip discomfort has also been poorly established. Therefore, the differences in pain, hip-related quality of life (QOL), and hip impingement tests in hips with and without acetabular dysplasia were assessed.

METHODS

All 127 patients treated for NHI from 1995 to 2001 at the study hospital and meeting the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in this population-based follow-up. Of these individuals, 88 (69.3%) participated. The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), Sharp's angle (SA), and acetabular head index (AHI) were calculated for both hips from pelvic anterior-posterior radiographs. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire was completed for both hips separately; the total score, pain, and QOL subscores were calculated; and the impingement test was performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of acetabular dysplasia, defined as an LCEA <20°, was 3.4%. Only the mean AHI (81.1%, SD 5.3) differed (-5.08, 95% CI -5.77 to -4.38, P <0.001) from previously described gender-specific and side-specific means, whereas the mean LCEA and SA did not. The odds ratio for a positive hip impingement test was 2.8 (95% CI: 1.11-7.05, P = 0.029) for hips with an LCEA <25° compared to hips with LCEA ≥25°. The hips with an SA ≥45° had a mean of 7.8 points lower for the HAGOS pain subscore (95% CI: 4.2-11.4, P <0.001) and a mean of 6.1 points lower for the HAGOS QOL subscore (95% CI: 2.1-10.2, P = 0.003) compared with hips with an SA <45°.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of acetabular dysplasia was low after treatment for NHI. Acetabular dysplasia seems to be as common in the general population as for those treated for NHI based on the LCEA. Only an SA ≥45° resulted in slightly more pain and lower hip-related QOL.

[Hip dysplasia]

BACKGROUND

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common malformations in childhood and has a significant impact on the further life of those affected. A distinction must be made between congenital and the much rarer acquired dysplasia. Early diagnosis and therapy are pivotal for further development of patients.

OBJECTIVES

The paper gives an overview of current radiological possibilities of diagnosis with focus on congenital hip dysplasia supplemented by insights into therapeutic options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Basic and review papers were analyzed.

RESULTS

Clinical examination of the newborn has low sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. The introduction of Graf ultrasound screening has significantly improved the early detection of dysplastic hips. With the help of sonography, but also magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the shape of the acetabulum and the position of the femoral head in the socket can be precisely and quickly determined, while X‑ray examinations have their place especially in the context of follow-up examinations after treatment from the age of 1 year and in the diagnosis of secondary dysplasia. Therapeutic options range from spreading treatment to open reduction with fixation in the newborn as well as conversion osteotomy in older children.

CONCLUSION

Early detection of hip dysplasia is critical to the course of treatment. The right choice of examination method and correct performance are essential for further treatment.

Analysis of the results of hip ultrasonography in 48 666 infants and efficacy studies of conservative treatment

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the detection rate of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) by ultrasound. To obtain the distribution characteristics of the different types (I-IV) and the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of infants with DDH (type IIc and above) receiving conservative treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed. The chi-square test was used for comparisons between count-data groups. Two-sided tests were used for all analyses. The results of ultrasound follow-up after conservative treatment are described.

RESULTS

Among the 48 666 infants examined, the detection rates were as follows: type I, 95.42%; IIa, 3.18%; IIb, 0.91%; IIc, 0.22%; D, 0.01%; III, 0.14%; and IV, 0.12%. There were 4456 hips with IIa and above, more left (54.65%) than right (45.35%) hips, and more females (82.60%) than males (17.40%). The detection rate of type IIa and above was 4.58%, and that of type IIb and above was 1.40%. After the treatment, the α value increased, and β value decreased. The cure rate of the less-than-42-days group was higher than that of the other groups.

CONCLUSION

The ultrasound detection rate of DDH is high. DDH was more likely to occur on the left side and in females. It is recommended that the infants should be treated within 42 days.

A comparison of different selective ultrasound screening strategies for developmental dysplasia of the hip

To analyze whether the addition of risk-based criteria to clinical examination-based selective ultrasound screening would increase the rates of early detected cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and decrease the rate of late detected cases. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The initial search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in November 2021. The following search terms were used: (hip) AND (ultrasound) AND (luxation or dysplasia) AND (newborn or neonate or congenital). A total of 25 studies were included. In 19 studies, newborns were selected for ultrasound based on both risk factors and clinical examination. In six studies, newborns were selected for ultrasound based on only clinical examination. We did not find evidence indicating that there are differences in the incidence of early- and late-detected DDH, or in the incidence of nonoperatively treated DDH between the risk-based and clinical examination-based groups. The pooled incidence of operatively treated DDH was slightly lower in the risk-based group (0.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3 to 0.7)) compared with the clinical examination group (0.9 per 1,000 newborns, (95% CI 0.7 to 1.0)). The use of risk factors in conjunction with clinical examination in the selective ultrasound screening of DDH might lead to fewer operatively treated cases of DDH. However, more studies are needed before stronger conclusions can be drawn.

Application of Accepted Use Criteria for the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Decreases the Number of Infants Treated With a Pavlik Harness

BACKGROUND

This analysis examined how the application of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons appropriate use criteria (AUC) for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants would change treatment patterns and outcomes for Graf IIA hips at a single quaternary pediatric hospital.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, patient medical records were reviewed and data were collected. Graf IIa hips were defined as alpha angle (AA) 50 to 59 degrees. AA and femoral head coverage (FHC) were measured from initial and 6-month ultrasounds and acetabular index (AI) was measured from radiographs at 6 months of age. Instability (positive Ortolani and Barlow tests) was noted. On the basis of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons AUC for managing developmental dysplasia of the hip, hips were further categorized as normal (FHC ≥45%), borderline (FHC 35% to 44%), or dysplastic (FHC <35%).

RESULTS

Overall, 13% (49/371) of Graf IIa hips (AA 50 to 59 degrees) were dysplastic (FHC <35%). Total 24% (89/371) were clinically unstable. Total 42% (37/89) of unstable Graf IIa hips were dysplastic. Only 4% of stable Graf IIa hips were dysplastic (12/282). Out of 371 Graf IIa hips, 256 were treated with Pavlik harness (n=250) or Rhino brace (n=6). Among stable, nondysplastic (SND) hips (those with normal and borderline FHC≥35%), 33% (52/158) were treated because of a more severe contralateral side. If the AUC had been applied, 67% (106/158) of SND Graf IIa hips would not have been treated. Among the n=162 hips that returned for a 6-month radiograph, there was no difference in AI in the 115 treated and 47 untreated SND hips (mean difference treatment vs. no treatment: -1.5, 95% CI, -3.1 to 0.2, P =0.0808).

CONCLUSIONS

Using AUC recommendations, our center could reduce the number of SND Graf IIa hips we treat by 67%. Although 24% of Graf IIa hips were clinically unstable and 13% were dysplastic based on FHC, most Graf IIa hips had normal or borderline FHC per the AUC and may do well with observation and follow-up ultrasound at 12 weeks old.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-diagnostic study.

Sex differences in musculoskeletal injury and disease risks across the lifespan: Are there unique subsets of females at higher risk than males for these conditions at distinct stages of the life cycle?

Sex differences have been reported for diseases of the musculoskeletal system (MSK) as well as the risk for injuries to tissues of the MSK system. For females, some of these occur prior to the onset of puberty, following the onset of puberty, and following the onset of menopause. Therefore, they can occur across the lifespan. While some conditions are related to immune dysfunction, others are associated with specific tissues of the MSK more directly. Based on this life spectrum of sex differences in both risk for injury and onset of diseases, a role for sex hormones in the initiation and progression of this risk is somewhat variable. Sex hormone receptor expression and functioning can also vary with life events such as the menstrual cycle in females, with different tissues being affected. Furthermore, some sex hormone receptors can affect gene expression independent of sex hormones and some transitional events such as puberty are accompanied by epigenetic alterations that can further lead to sex differences in MSK gene regulation. Some of the sex differences in injury risk and the post-menopausal disease risk may be "imprinted" in the genomes of females and males during development and sex hormones and their consequences only modulators of such risks later in life as the sex hormone milieu changes. The purpose of this review is to discuss some of the relevant conditions associated with sex differences in risks for loss of MSK tissue integrity across the lifespan, and further discuss several of the implications of their variable relationship with sex hormones, their receptors and life events.

Incidence of Neonatal Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip and Late Detection Rates Based on Screening Strategy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Universal ultrasonographic screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has gained increasing popularity despite the lack of benefit in terms of reducing the rates of late-detected cases (age ≥12 weeks) in randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To report the reported incidence of DDH in the English scientific literature and compare rates of late-detected cases in settings with different DDH screening strategies.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched on November 25 and 27, 2021. No time filters were used in the search.

STUDY SELECTION

All observational studies reporting the incidence of early-detected or late-detected (age ≥12 weeks) DDH were included. Non-English reports were excluded if the abstract did not include enough information to be included for analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The number of newborns screened and the detection rates were extracted. Meta-analysis calculated the pooled incidence of DDH per 1000 newborns with 95% CIs using a random- or fixed-effects model. This study is reported according to the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome measures were early detection, early treatment, late detection, and operative treatment incidences.

RESULTS

A total of 1899 studies were identified, 203 full texts were assessed, and 76 studies with 16 901 079 infants were included in final analyses. The early detection rate was 8.4 (95% CI, 4.8-14.8) infants with DDH per 1000 newborns with clinical screening, 4.4 (95% CI, 2.4-8.0) infants with DDH per 1000 newborns with selective ultrasonographic screening, and 23.0 (95% CI, 15.7-33.4) infants with DDH per 1000 newborns with universal ultrasonographic screening. Rates for nonoperative treatment were 5.5 (95% CI, 2.1-14) treatments per 1000 newborns with clinical screening, 3.1 (95% CI, 2.0-4.8) treatments per 1000 newborns with selective ultrasonographic screening, and 9.8 (95% CI, 6.7-14.4) treatments per 1000 newborns with universal ultrasonographic screening. The incidence of late-detected DDH was 0.5 (95% CI, 0.2-1.5) infants with DDH per 1000 newborns with clinical screening, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.3-1.3) infants with DDH per 1000 newborns with selective ultrasonographic screening, and 0.2 (95% CI, 0.0-0.8) infants with DDH per 1000 newborns with universal ultrasonographic screening. The corresponding incidences of operative treatment were 0.2 (95% CI, 0.0-0.9) operations per 1000 newborns with clinical screening, 0.5 (95% CI, 0.4-0.7) operations per 1000 newborns with selective ultrasonographic screening, and 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2-0.7) operations per 1000 newborns with universal ultrasonographic screening.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis found that early detection rates and nonoperative treatments were higher with universal screening. The late detection and operative treatment rates with universal screening were similar to those among selectively and clinically screened newborns. Based on these results, universal screening may cause initial overtreatment without reducing the rates of late detection and operative treatment.

Study on multiplanar measurements of infant hips with three-dimensional ultrasonography

PURPOSE

An automatic evaluation technology based on artificial intelligence and three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D US) is proposed for hip US inspection plane selection. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of the α angle as measured using 3D US to select the section plane and two-dimensional ultrasonography (2D US) to manually select the Graf image, as well as to explore the feasibility of diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using 3D US and reconstruction technology.

METHODS

A total of 216 infant hips were included and assessed by doctors using 3D US layer-by-layer. The researchers used a computer to identify the coronal images that met the Graf standard and then compared the α_X values obtained with the α_G values measured artificially by 2D US.

RESULTS

Compared with 2D US, 3D US more clearly showed the relative positions of the ilium, ischia, and pubis. The measured α value of the optimal section obtained by 3D US showed good agreement with the measured α value of the standard Graf section.

CONCLUSION

The artificial intelligence and 3D US-based automatic evaluation technology for section selection and inspection for DDH showed good agreement with the Graf method based on standard sections.

Examining the Short-Term Natural History of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Infancy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

This study was an update on the AAOS clinical practice guideline's analysis of the natural history of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The objective was to delineate the natural history of clinical instability or radiologic abnormalities of the hip in infants by identifying the proportion of cases that resolved without treatment compared to cases that progressed and/or required treatment.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of PUBMED to identify studies which evaluated the natural history of DDH. We used the same search strategy as that utilized in the previous AAOS guidelines, updated to include articles published between September 2013 and May 2021. We assessed the quality of included articles using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence and reported study demographics and outcomes using summary statistics.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles met our eligibility criteria. Most included studies were retrospective (14/24), investigated either the incidence of DDH (8/24) or assessed screening programs (7/24). The most prevalent study population followed were Graf 2A hips (7/24). Most studies were low quality with level of evidence 3 (13/24) or 4 (7/24). Sample sizes ranged from 9 to 3251. Twenty studies reported the number of cases resolved over the follow-up period with a mean rate of 84.3% (95% confidence interval 76.1, 92.6).

CONCLUSION

We found most mild-to-moderate DDH can resolve without treatment in early infancy, especially in physiologically immature (Graf 2A) hips. More high-quality evidence is needed to properly assess the natural history of DDH as only one included study was a randomized trial.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00510-6.

Leveraging voxel-wise segmentation uncertainty to improve reliability in assessment of paediatric dysplasia of the hip

PURPOSE

Estimating uncertainty in predictions made by neural networks is critically important for increasing the trust medical experts have in automatic data analysis results. In segmentation tasks, quantifying levels of confidence can provide meaningful additional information to aid clinical decision making. In recent work, we proposed an interpretable uncertainty measure to aid clinicians in assessing the reliability of developmental dysplasia of the hip metrics measured from 3D ultrasound screening scans, as well as that of the US scan itself. In this work, we propose a technique to quantify confidence in the associated segmentation process that incorporates voxel-wise uncertainty into the binary loss function used in the training regime, which encourages the network to concentrate its training effort on its least certain predictions.

METHODS

We propose using a Bayesian-based technique to quantify 3D segmentation uncertainty by modifying the loss function within an encoder-decoder type voxel labeling deep network. By appending a voxel-wise uncertainty measure, our modified loss helps the network improve prediction uncertainty for voxels that are harder to train. We validate our approach by training a Bayesian 3D U-Net with the proposed modified loss function on a dataset comprising 92 clinical 3D US neonate scans and test on a separate hold-out dataset of 24 patients.

RESULTS

Quantitatively, we show that the Dice score of ilium and acetabulum segmentation improves by 5% when trained with our proposed voxel-wise uncertainty loss compared to training with standard cross-entropy loss. Qualitatively, we further demonstrate how our modified loss function results in meaningful reduction of voxel-wise segmentation uncertainty estimates, with the network making more confident accurate predictions.

CONCLUSION

We proposed a Bayesian technique to encode voxel-wise segmentation uncertainty information into deep neural network optimization, and demonstrated how it can be leveraged into meaningful confidence measures to improve the model's predictive performance.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: can contrast-enhanced MRI predict the development of avascular necrosis following surgery?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the performance of contrast-enhanced MRI for predicting avascular necrosis (AVN) of the treated femoral head after surgical reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using qualitative and quantitative methods.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant retrospective study included 47 children who underwent same-day contrast-enhanced MRI following unilateral surgical hip reduction between April 2009 and June 2018. Blinded to the clinical outcome, 3 reviewers (2 pediatric radiologists and 1 pediatric orthopedist) independently categorized the enhancement pattern of the treated femoral head. Signal intensities, measured using regions of interest (ROI), were compared between treated and untreated hips and percent enhancements were compared between hips that developed and did not develop AVN. Post-reduction radiographs were evaluated using Salter's criteria for AVN and Kalmachi and MacEwen's classification for growth disturbance. Non-parametric tests and Fisher exact test were used to compare enhancement values between AVN and non-AVN hips. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Ten (21%) out of the 47 children (7 boys and 40 girls; mean age 9.0 ± 4.7 months) developed AVN. Age at surgical reduction was significantly higher (p = 0.03) for hips that developed AVN. No significant differences were found in gender (p = 0.61), laterality (p = 0.46), surgical approach (p = 0.08), history of pre-operative bracing (p = 0.72), abduction angle (p = 0.18-0.44), enhancement pattern (p = 0.66-0.76), or percent enhancement (p = 0.41-0.88) between AVN and non-AVN groups.

CONCLUSION

Neither enhancement pattern nor percent enhancement predicted AVN, suggesting that post-reduction conventional MRI does not accurately distinguish between reversible and permanent vascular injury.

Treatment outcome of neonatal hip instability

AIMS

We aimed to determine hip-related quality of life and clinical findings following treatment for neonatal hip instability (NHI) compared with age- and sex-matched controls. We hypothesized that NHI would predispose to hip discomfort in long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We invited those born between 1995 and 2001 who were treated for NHI at our hospital to participate in this population-based study. We included those that had Von Rosen-like splinting treatment started before one month of age. A total of 96 patients treated for NHI (75.6 %) were enrolled. A further 94 age- and sex-matched controls were also recruited. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire was completed separately for both hips, and a physical examination was performed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 18.2 years (14.6 to 22.0). The HAGOS scores between groups were similar and met statistical and clinical significance only in the Symptoms subscale (mean difference 3.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 7.29; p = 0.033). Those patients who had undergone treatment for NHI had a higher frequency of positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation test (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6; p = 0.014), resisted straight leg rise test (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 14.9; p = 0.014), and also experienced more pain in the groin during passive end range hip flexion (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.3; p = 0.015) than controls.

CONCLUSION

NHI predisposes to hip discomfort in clinical tests, but no clinically relevant differences in experience of pain, physical function, and hip-related quality of life could be observed between the treated group and matched controls in 18 years of follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1767-1773.

Estimated effect of secondary screening for hip dislocation

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the effect of secondary screening for hip dislocations.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of hospital files from participants in a prospectively collected nationwide registry.

SETTING

Child healthcare centres and orthopaedic departments in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 126 children with hip dislocation diagnosed later than 14 days age in the 2000-2009 birth cohort, 101 had complete data and were included in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

The entire birth cohort was subject to clinical screening for hip instability at 6-8 weeks, 6 months and 10-12 months age. Children diagnosed through this screening were compared with children presenting due to symptoms, which was used as a surrogate variable representing a situation without secondary screening.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age at diagnosis and disease severity of late presenting hip dislocations.

RESULTS

Children diagnosed through secondary screening were 11 months younger (median: 47 weeks) compared with those presenting with symptoms (p<0.001). Children diagnosed through secondary screening had 11% risk of having a high (severe) dislocation, compared with 38% for those diagnosed due to symptoms; absolute risk reduction 27% (95% CI: 9.7% to 45%), relative risk 0.28 (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.70). Children presenting due to symptoms had OR 5.1 (95% CI: 1.7 to 15) of having a high dislocation, and OR 11 (95% CI: 4.1 to 31) of presenting at age 1 year or older, compared with the secondary screening group. The secondary screening was able to identify half of the children (55%, 95% CI: 45% to 66%) not diagnosed through primary screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary screening at child healthcare centres may have substantially lowered the age at diagnosis in half of all children with late presenting hip dislocation not diagnosed through primary screening, with the risk of having a high dislocation decreased almost to one-quarter in such cases.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: An Examination of Care Practices of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons in North America

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common condition, affecting 1% to 2% of full-term infants. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Academy of Pediatrics have published guidelines detailing best practices for DDH screening and treatment. The purpose of this survey was to determine DDH treatment practices of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons in North America.

METHODS

We queried orthopaedic surgeon members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) about referral patterns, treatment practices, and use of DDH guidelines. The survey included demographics, clinical scenarios, referrals patterns, and ultrasound practices.

RESULTS

Of the 1392 members of POSNA, we received 432 total responses and included 353 in statistical analyses. Results show that 68% (233/342) of surgeons practice in an institution that does not endorse a standard care pathway for DDH. Of surgeons who personally use a DDH care pathway, the AAOS guidelines were most cited (143/353, 41%). The majority (94%, 316/337) of surgeons do not believe that universal ultrasound screening should be adopted in the United States. Responses regarding ultrasound screening for "high risk" infants as outlined by AAOS varied based on risk factor. Many (57%, 200/353) surgeons have performed initial evaluations for patients over 12 months of age. While 80% (260/327) of orthopaedic surgeons believe that primary care providers are referring patients appropriately, only 57% (183/323) believe that primary care providers are ordering imaging studies appropriately.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this survey of POSNA membership indicate an opportunity to better distribute and implement DDH guidelines. In addition, the implementation of a care map with a focus on standard referral and imaging practices could improve the care of patients with DDH by: (1) reducing the total cost of care, (2) increasing the use of appropriate imaging, (3) increasing timely referral for DDH care, and (4) reducing the presentation rate of walking age DDH patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

The level of evidence rating for this survey-based study is level IV.

Imaging of developmental dysplasia of the hip: ultrasound, radiography and magnetic resonance imaging

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a broad spectrum of developmental abnormalities of the hip joint that are traditionally diagnosed during infancy. Because the development of the hip joint is a dynamic process, optimal treatment depends not only on the severity of the dysplasia, but also on the age of the child. Various imaging modalities are routinely used to confirm suspected diagnosis, to assess severity, and to monitor treatment response. For infants younger than 4 months, screening hip ultrasound (US) is recommended only for those with risk factors, equivocal or positive exam findings, whereas for infants older than 4-6 months, pelvis radiography is preferred. Following surgical hip reduction, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is preferred over computed tomography (CT) because MR can not only confirm concentric hip joint reduction, but also identify the presence of soft-tissue barriers to reduction and any unexpected postoperative complications. The routine use of contrast-enhanced MR remains controversial because of the relative paucity of well-powered and validated literature. The main objectives of this article are to review the normal and abnormal developmental anatomy of the hip joint, to discuss the rationale behind the current recommendations on the most appropriate selection of imaging modalities for screening and diagnosis, and to review routine and uncommon findings that can be identified on post-reduction MR, using an evidence-based approach. A basic understanding of the physiology and the pathophysiology can help ensure the selection of optimal imaging modality and reduce equivocal diagnoses that can lead to unnecessary treatment.

Vojta method in the treatment of developmental hip dysplasia - a case report

Background

Developmental dysplasia of the hip joint is one of the most common congenital defects and often results in functional and structural disorders. Such cases particularly demand optimizing therapeutic effects and maximally reducing the duration of therapy.

Purpose

The aim of this case report is to present the therapeutic process in a child with developmental hip dysplasia.

Case report

This is a case report of a female child with a birth weight of 2,800 g and an Apgar score of 9 points born to a gravida 3 para 3 mother at 37 weeks. The child was delivered by cesarean section, and the pregnancy was complicated by oligohydramnios. Subluxation of the left hip joint was diagnosed by an orthopedist in the third month of life. The treatment followed was the Vojta method (the first phase of reflex turning and reflex crawling).

Results

During the 6 weeks of the Vojta treatment, the left half of the femoral head was centralized, and the process of formation of the hip joint acetabulum was influenced effectively enough to change the acetabulum’s Graff type from the baseline D to IIb after 41 days of treatment.

Conclusion

The diagnostic work-up of congenital hip joint dysplasia should involve a physiotherapist who will investigate the child’s neuromuscular coordination, in addition to a neonatologist and a pediatrician. The therapy for a disorder of hip joint development of neuromotor origin should involve the application of global patterns according to Vojta. Children with congenital dysplasia of the hip joint should commence rehabilitation as early as possible.

Early treatment with the von Rosen splint for neonatal instability of the hip is safe regarding avascular necrosis of the femoral head: 229 consecutive children observed for 6.5 years

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) is a complication in treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We evaluated the risk of AVN after early treatment in the von Rosen splint and measured the diameter of the ossific nucleus at 1 year of age.

CHILDREN AND METHODS

All children born in Malmö, Sweden, undergo clinical screening for neonatal instability of the hip (NIH). We reviewed 1-year radiographs of all children treated early for NIH in our department from 2003 through 2010. The diameter of the ossific nucleus was measured, and signs of AVN were classified according to Kalamchi-MacEwen. Subsequent radiographs, taken for any reason, were reviewed and a local registry of diagnoses was used to identify subsequent AVN.

RESULTS

229 of 586 children referred because of suspected NIH received early treatment (age ≤ 1 week) for NIH during the study period. 2 of the 229 treated children (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.1-3.1) had grade-1 AVN. Both had spontaneous resolution and were asymptomatic during the observation time (6 and 8 years). 466 children met the inclusion criteria for measurement of the ossific nucleus. Neonatally dislocated hips had significantly smaller ossific nuclei than neonatally stable hips: mean 9.4 mm (95% CI: 9.1-9.8) vs. 11.1 mm (95% CI: 10.9-11.3) at 1 year (p < 0.001).

INTERPRETATION

Early treatment with the von Rosen splint for NIH is safe regarding AVN. The ossification of the femoral head is slower in children with NIH than in untreated children with neonatally stable hips.

Residual hip dysplasia at 1 year after treatment for neonatal hip instability is not related to degenerative joint disease in young adulthood: a 21-year follow-up study including dGEMRIC

OBJECTIVE

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is associated with an increased risk of early hip osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to examine the outcome at the completion of growth in a cohort of children who had residual acetabular dysplasia at age 1 year following early treatment for neonatal instability of the hip (NIH).

DESIGN

We examined 21 of 30 subjects who had been treated with the von Rosen splint neonatally for NIH and had residual acetabular dysplasia at age 1 year. Mean follow-up time was 21 years (range 17-24). Signs of OA and acetabular dysplasia were assessed by radiography. Cartilage quality was assessed by delayed Gadolinium Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage (dGEMRIC), a tool for molecular imaging of cartilage quality, at 1.5 T. Patient reported outcome (PRO) was assessed by the 12-item WOMAC score.

RESULTS

No study participant had radiographic OA (defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2) or minimum joint space width (JSW) ≤2 mm. The mean dGEMRIC index was 630 ms (95% CI: 600-666, range: 516-825) suggesting good cartilage quality. The mean 12-item WOMAC score was 1.2. Two of three radiographic measurements of DDH correlated positively to the dGEMRIC index.

CONCLUSIONS

Children treated neonatally for NIH have good hip function and no signs of cartilage degeneration at 21-year follow-up, despite residual dysplasia at age 1 year. Unexpectedly, radiographic signs of dysplasia were associated with better cartilage quality, as assessed with dGEMRIC. This may indicate cartilage adaptation to increased mechanical stress in mild hip dysplasia.