Abstract
The aim of our survey was to study the current practice to manage DDH in UK by the members of the British Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery.
An online questionnaire link to ask about the management of DDH was emailed to 204 members of the British Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery. The response rate was 39%. 73% respondents have a local screening programme, 19% screen only high risk children and 8% had no screening programme. Pavlik harness was used by 87% respondents for Graf Type 2, 96% for Graf type 3 and 90% for Graf type 4. 14% respondents will only observe for Graf Type 2. 36% respondents will follow up children every week, 45% every 2 weeks, 3% every 3 weeks, 9% every 4 weeks, 4% every 6 weeks and 3% will decide the follow up according to severity of DDH and treatment.1.3% respondents will follow up these patients for 6 months, 13% for 12 months, 10.5% each for 24 months, 36 months, 48 months and 50% until skeletal maturity. After the failure of initial splintage, 7% respondents will consider surgery immediately, 13.5% at 3 months, 36.5% at 6 months, 4% at 9 months, 28% at 12 months, 5.4% according to HIP-OP Trial and 5.6% according to the situation.
There was no consensus about the treatment of DDH. 73% respondents have a local screening programme. The most common splintage method used was Pavlik harness. 45% respondents will follow up children every 2 weeks following the start of treatment. 50% respondents will follow up these patients until skeletal maturity. 36% respondents will consider surgery at 6 months following the failure of splintage. This survey highlights the fact that the management of DDH is an art based on the scientific evidence, parent's choice and personal expertise.
