O2421 INCIDENCE OF ACETABULAR DYSPLASIA IN BREECH BABIES WHO HAD EARLY ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITY OF HIPS

Abstract

Aims: Prospective study to evaluate the radiological outcome of developmental dysplasia of the hips at 1 year in breech babies, whichwere ultrasonographically abnormal at birth. Methods: Routine ultrasound screening for neonatal hip instability has been carried out in Coventry since June 1989. Of the 16000 babies born in Coventry during 1995,1996,1997and1998, 759 (4.7%) were Breech born. Of these, 100(13%) babies had early ultrasonographic abnormality of the hips. Inclusion criteria for our study were an early abnormal ultrasound examination in breech babies with no other risk factors. Babies with family history of CDH were excluded. Pavlik harness treatment was started for babies with persistent abnormality. Results: Study criteria matched 56 new born hips in 46 breech babies with average radiographic follow-up of 52 weeks (range 48Ð60weeks). Acetabular angle and the femoral head epiphysis were measured from the pelvic X-ray. The results were statistically analyzed and the F-value was calculated. Ultrasonic abnormality was common in female babies (74%: 26%) compared to male babies. The results in the severely abnormal group following treatment with Pavlik Harness were found to be same as the mildly abnormal group. Conclusions: We hereby conclude that treatment of the severely abnormal group with Pavlik Harness has resulted in no statistically signiþcant radiological abnormality in the acetabular angle and the growth of the femoral head epiphysis at 1-year follow up in breech babies.