Abstract
Aims
We investigated the local epidemiology of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), in order to define incidence, identify risk factors, and refine our policy on selective ultrasound screening.
Methods
Data were recorded prospectively on all live births in the Exeter area from January 1998 to December 2008. We compared those treated for DDH with all other children. Crude odds ratios (OR) were calculated to identify potential risk factors. Logistic regression was then used to control for interactions between variables.
Results
There were 182 children with DDH (245 hips) and 37,051 without. The incidence was thus 4.9 per 1000 live births. Female sex (adjusted OR 7.2, 95% CI 4.6–11.2), breech presentation (adjusted OR 24.3, 13.1–44.9), positive family history (adjusted OR 15.9, 11.0–22.9) and first or second pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.8, 1.5–2.3) were confirmed as risk factors (p<0.001). In addition, there was an increased risk with vaginal delivery (adjusted OR 2.7, 1.6–4.5, p<0.001) and postmaturity (OR 1.7, 1.2–2.4, p<0.002).
Conclusions
One in 200 children born in our area requires treatment for DDH. Using both established and novel risk factors, we can potentially calculate an individual child's risk. Our work may contribute to the debate about selective versus universal ultrasound screening.
