In a longitudinal case-control study, we followed 81 subjects with dysplasia of the hip and 136 control subjects without dysplasia for ten years assessing radiological evidence of degeneration of the hip at admission and follow-up. There were no cases of subluxation in the group with dysplasia. Neither subjects with dysplasia nor controls had radiological signs of ongoing degenerative disease at admission. The primary radiological discriminator of degeneration of the hip was a change in the minimum joint space width over time. There were no significant differences between these with dysplasia and controls in regard to age, body mass index or occupational exposure to daily repeated lifting at admission. We found no significant differences in the reduction of the joint space width at follow-up between subjects with dysplasia and the control subjects nor in self-reported pain in the hip. The association of subluxation and/or associated acetabular labral tears with dysplasia of the hip may be a conditional factor for the development of premature osteoarthritis in mildly to moderately dysplastic hips

Aims. The objective of this study was to present the outcomes of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) over a 30-year period for osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to dysplasia of the hip in pre- or early-stage OA. Methods. Between September 1987 and December 1994, we provided treatment to 47 patients (55 hips) with RAO for the management of pre- or early-stage OA due to developmental hip dysplasia. Of those, eight patients (11 hips) with pre-OA (follow-up rate 79%) and 27 patients (32 hips) with early-stage OA (follow-up rate 78%), totalling 35 patients (43 hips) (follow-up rate 78%), were available at a minimum of 28 years after surgery. Results. In the pre-OA group, the mean Merle d'Aubigné score improved significantly from 14.5 points (SD 0.7) preoperatively to 17.4 points at final follow-up (SD 1.2; p = 0.004) and in the early-stage group, the mean score did not improve significantly from 14.0 (SD 0.3) to 14.6 (SD 2.4; p = 0.280). Radiologically, the centre-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. Radiological progression of OA was observed in two patients (two hips) in the pre-OA group and 17 patients (18 hips) in the early-stage group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with radiological progression of OA as the primary outcome, projected a 30-year survival rate of 81.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.00) for the pre-OA group and 42.2% (95% CI 0.244 to 0.600) for the early-stage group. In all cases, the overall survival rate stood at 51.5% (95% CI 0.365 to 0.674) over a 30-year period, and when the endpoint was conversion to total hip arthroplasty, the survival rate was 74.0% (95% CI 0.608 to 0.873). Conclusion. For younger patients with pre-OA, joint preservation of over 30 years can be expected after RAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):25–31

1. The examination of fifty-one infants presenting signs of unilateral dysplasia (preluxation) of the hip disclosed the existence of an abduction-contracture in the opposite "normal" hip. 2. The abduction-contracture was not infrequently found in the newborn, but seemed to attract attention mostly between the second and fifth month of life. It was seldom found after the sixth month. 3. The dysplasia in the contralateral hip showed the usual features. 4. The relationship between the degree of abduction-contracture and the degree of dysplasia was a direct one only occasionally; in most cases they seemed unrelated to each other. 5. Observation of these patients showed that the abduction-contracture followed a constant course towards gradual and spontaneous regression. The dysplasia progressed in one of the following directions: spontaneous recovery, rapid or slow recovery with treatment by abduction splint, subluxation, or true dislocation. 6. It is submitted that the coexistence of unilateral dysplasia of the hip and abduction-contracture in the opposite hip is not fortuitous. It is believed that the abduction-contracture determines the development of the dysplasia in the opposite hip through the faulty mechanics caused by "fixed pelvic obliquity.". 7. The discovery of unilateral abduction-contracture soon after birth should be a warning that dysplasia may develop in the opposite hip. A careful watch should therefore be kept for signs of abduction-contracture and for the later development of dysplasia

Pelvic bone defect in patients with severe congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) lead to abnormalities in lumbar spine and lower limb alignment that can determine total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients' outcome. These variables may be different in uni- or bilateral CDH. We compared the clinical outcome and the spinopelvic and lower limb radiological changes over time in patients undergoing THA due to uni- or bilateral CHD at a minimum follow-up of five years. Sixty-four patients (77 hips) undergoing THA due to severe CDH between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed: Group 1 consisted of 51 patients with unilateral CDH, and group 2, 113 patients (26 hips) with bilateral CDH. There were 32 females in group 1 and 18 in group 2 (p=0.6). The mean age was 41.6 years in group 1 and 53.6 in group 2 (p<0.001). We compared the hip, spine and knee clinical outcomes. The radiological analysis included the postoperative hip reconstruction, and the evolution of the coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters assessing the pelvic obliquity (PO) and the sacro-femoro-pubic (SFP) angles, and the knee mechanical axis evaluating the tibio-femoral angle (TFA). At latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 88.6 in group 1 and 90.7 in group 2 (p=0.025). Postoperative leg length discrepancy of more than 5 mm was more frequent in group 1 (p=0.028). Postoperative lumbar back pain was reported in 23.4% of the cases and knee pain in 20.8%, however, there were no differences between groups. One supracondylar femoral osteotomy and one total knee arthroplasty were required. The radiological reconstruction of the hip was similar in both groups. The PO angle improved more in group 1 (p=0.01) from the preoperative to 6-weeks postoperative and was constant at 5 years. The SFP angle improved in both groups but there were no differences between groups (p=0.5). 30 patients in group 1 showed a TFA less than 10º and 17 in group 2 (p=0.7). Although the clinical outcome was better in terms of hip function in patients with bilateral CDH than those with unilateral CDH, the improvement in low back and knee pain was similar. Patients with unilateral dysplasia showed a better correction of the PO after THA. All spinopelvic and knee alignment parameters were corrected and maintained over time in most cases five years after THA

There is controversy whether congenital foot abnormalities are true risk factors for pathological dysplasia of the hip. Previous United Kingdom screening guidelines considered congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) to be a risk factor for hip dysplasia, but present guidelines do not. We assessed the potential relationship between pathological dysplasia of the hip and fixed idiopathic CTEV. We present a single-centre 21-year prospective longitudinal observational study. All fixed idiopathic CTEV cases were classified (Harrold and Walker Types 1 to 3) and the hips clinically and sonographically assessed. Sonographic Graf Type III, IV and radiological irreducible hip dislocation were considered to be pathological hip dysplasia. Over 21 years there were 139 children with 199 cases of fixed idiopathic CTEV feet. Sonographically, there were 259 normal hips, 18 Graf Type II hips, 1 Graf Type III hip and 0 Graf Type IV hip. There were no cases of radiological or sonographic irreducible hip dislocation. Fixed idiopathic CTEV should not be considered as a significant risk factor for pathological hip dysplasia. This conclusion is in keeping with the current newborn and infant physical examination guidelines in which the only risk factors routinely screened are family history and breech presentation. Our findings suggest CTEV should not be considered a significant risk factor in pathological dysplasia of the hip. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1553–5

Background. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) is complex and challenging. The Crowe and Hartofilakidis classification systems are the most commonly used. However, neither encompasses the whole spectrum of disease and deformity and therefore does not guide modern surgical options. We present a new classification system which aims to guide surgical strategy by focusing on the three main areas of disease and deformity: Cup defect; De-rotation of femoral neck ante-version; Height of femoral subluxation. Each component is graded from 1–3 based on the severity of deformity and the potential surgical strategy required (with 3 being the most severe). A total numerical score will reflect the overall degree of difficulty which may be used when assessing surgical outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of this new adult CDH classification system in the setting of THA. Study design and Methods. A sample size calculation showed 28 evaluations were required to reach a power of 85% (based on a kappa value of 0.4). The anterior-posterior pelvis and lateral hip radiographs of 30 hips, in 26 patients were evaluated by three Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons using the classification detailed in table 1. A second evaluation, with the case order randomised, was performed after a minimum period of 1month. Randolph's free multi-rater Kappa co-efficient was used to assess for inter and intra- observer reliability and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results. The results of the Inter and intra–observer reliability for each classification component and for each rater respectively are shown in table 2 and 3. Conclusions. In comparison with other studies our reliability results were poorer when compared to the Hartofilakidis and Crowe classification systems. It was reported by the participants that our system enabled a more logical breakdown of the component deformities to address when performing THA in these hips. As with the Paprosky system for revision hip arthroplasty, this X-ray classification is intended as a practical pre-op guide to planning for all eventualities. Limitations due to level of observer experience and finer intra-operative judgements may alter the final result, but the essence is to understand the anatomical pitfalls enabling appropriate surgical planning and a total score against which to judge outcomes. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

We have reviewed the outcome of 134 hips in 96 children with Graf type-III or type-IV dysplasia of the hip on ultrasound examination. We treated 28 affected hips in 22 children with the Craig splint, 43 hips in 30 children with the Pavlik harness, and 26 hips in 16 children with the von Rosen splint. A total of 37 affected hips in 28 children was not splinted. All children were less than three months of age at referral. Those treated with the von Rosen splint had a significantly better ultrasound appearance at 12 to 20 weeks of age and fewer radiological abnormalities than those not splinted or treated with the Pavlik harness. In the von Rosen group no hip required further treatment with an abduction plaster or operation compared with ten in the Pavlik harness group, three in the Craig splint group and eight in the group without splintage. Our results suggest that the von Rosen splint is more likely to improve the outcome of neonatal dysplasia of the hip and a definitive, large-scale randomised trial is therefore indicated

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement in interpretation of the quality of the paediatric hip ultrasound examination, the reliability of geometric and morphological assessment, and the relationship between these measurements.

In primary total hip arthroplasty in patients affected by congenital dysplasia of the hip, stabilisation of the cup because of the altered shape of the acetabulum presents a problem. We have obviated this by creating a standard protocol with a press-fit classification that helps us to resolve such problems. In 269 cases (from 1994 to 2004) of patients affected by congenital dysplasia of the hip, we have always reconstructed the acetabulum using autologous bone grafts. After the right preparation of the acetabulum, when the cover of the metal back is complete and the stability is optimal (type I), bone grafts are not required (106 cases). After positioning of the cup, if we find defects that leave less than 30% of the external surface of the metal back uncovered but the stability is good (type II) (138 cases), we reconstruct such defects with small bone grafts (bone chips) captured by the femoral head of the patient. Greater bony defects that, after positioning of the metal back, do not allow an adequate stability and leave more than 30% of the cup (type III) uncovered (25 cases), we reconstruct the acetabulum with part of the femoral head fixed with screws. The follow-up at more than 5 years is between good and excellent (89–100) in all pateitns according to the Harris Hip Score

We performed rotational acetabular osteotomy in order to treat dysplasia of the hip in five ambulatory adults with cerebral palsy. There was one man and four women, with a mean age of 21 years (16 to 27) who were followed up for a mean of 12 years and two months. The mean Sharp angle improved from 52° to 43°, the mean acetabular index from 30.2° to 2.8°, the mean centre-edge angle from −5.6° to 29.2°, and the mean acetabular head index from 49.2 to 88.2. There was no progression of joint degeneration and relief from pain was maintained. Our results suggest that rotational acetabular osteotomy is a valuable option for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia in adults with cerebral palsy who have incapacitating pain in the hip

Patients with acetabular dysplasia commonly undergo peri-acetabular osteotomy after skeletal maturity to reduce the risk of the late development of osteoarthritis. Several studies have suggested that deformity of the femoral head influences the long-term outcome. We radiologically examined 224 hips in 112 patients with acetabular dysplasia and early-stage osteoarthritis. There were 103 women and nine men with a mean age of 37.6 years (18 to 49). A total of 201 hips were placed in the acetabular dysplasia group and 23 in a normal group. The centre–edge angle and acetabular head index were significantly smaller (both p < 0.001), and the acetabular angle, acetabular roof angle and roundness index were significantly greater in the acetabular dysplasia group than those in the normal group (all p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between the roundness index and other parameters. Femoral head shape may be influenced by the severity of the acetabular dysplasia.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1192–6.

We evaluated the long-term results of a modified Spitzy shelf operation for secondary osteoarthritis in 119 hips with a mean follow-up of 23.8 years. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 25 years. Preoperative osteoarthritic change, the age at operation and shelf height were important factors in determining the outcome. Of the 61 hips in the pre-stage (three) and the initial stage (58) of osteoarthritis, 53 (87%) had good results, compared with only 30 (51%) of 58 hips with advanced osteoarthritis. Of the latter, 72% of those aged less than 25 years had good results compared with only 40% of patients aged over 25 years. The shelf height in the group with good results was significantly lower than in those with poor results. This operation is a safe procedure and indicated for acetabular dysplasia or subluxation of the hip with early osteoarthritic change in patients aged less than 25 years.

Background: A retroverted acetabulum has been hypothesized as a cause of osteoarthritis. This study was performed to evaluate whether radiographical cross-over sign influence the painful femoro-acetabular impingement or the radiographical progression of osteoarhritis after rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) for dysplastic hip. Methods: Between 1987 and 1999, 104 patients (115 hips) who had pre- or early stage osteoarthritis of the hip due to dysplasia underwent a RAO. There were 99 women and five men; their mean age at the time of surgery was 34.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 13 years. Clinical follow-up was performed with use of the system of Merle d’Aubigne and the impingement sign was evaluated. Radiographical analyses included measurements of the center-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, head lateralization index, joint congruency, cross-over sign, posterior wall sign, acetabular index of depth to width, pistol grip deformity and femoral head-femoral neck ratio. Results: The mean clinical score improved significantly from 14.6 preoperatively to 17.0 at follow-up. The impingement sign at the follow-up was observed in 14 hips (12.2%). The center-edge angle improved significantly from mean −0.6 degrees to a postoperative mean of 34 degrees. The acetabular roof angle improved from 30 degrees to 2.2 degrees, and head lateralization index from 0.64 to 0.60. The cross-over sign was observed in 8 hips (7.0%) preoperatively and in 49 hips (42.6%) postoperatively. The posterior wall sign was observed in 70 hips (60.9%) preoperatively and observed in 73 hips (63.5%) postoperatively. The mean preoperative acetabular index of depth to width was 35.5% and the mean preoperative femoral head to femoral neck ratio was 1.49. The pistol grip deformity was observed in only 4 hips (3.5%) preoperatively. The impingement sign after the RAO was positive significantly in the postoperative cross-over sign positive hips (p=0.0074). Radiographical progression of osteoarthritis was observed in 11 hips (cross over sign positive; 7 hips, cross over sign negative; 4 hips). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis predicted a survival rate of 84.6 % at 15 years. The only factors significantly associated with radiographic signs of progression of osteoarthritis after RAO were fair (rather than excellent and good) postoperative joint congruency (p< 0.0001) and age at surgery (p=0.0042). Presence of postoperative cross-over sign had no effect on the outcome (p=0.2073). Conclusions: Although there was no significant radiographical progression of osteoarthritis despite a significant retroversion in most cases, the goal of RAO should be a correct alignment of the acetabulum including a correct version with a negative cross-over sign

The acetabular rim syndrome is a pathological entity which we illustrate by reference to 29 cases. The syndrome is a precursor of osteoarthritis of the hip secondary to acetabular dysplasia. The symptoms are pain and impaired function. All our cases were treated by operation which consisted in most instances of re-orientation of the acetabulum by peri-acetabular osteotomy and arthrotomy of the hip. In all cases, the limbus was found to be detached from the bony rim of the acetabulum. In several instances there was a separated bone fragment, or 'os acetabuli' as well. In acetabular dysplasia, the acetabular rim is subject to abnormal stress which may cause the limbus to rupture, and a fragment of bone to separate from the adjacent bone margin. Dysplastic acetabuli may be classified into two radiological types. In type I there is an incongruent shallow acetabulum. In type II the acetabulum is congruent but the coverage of the femoral head is deficient

A technique of examining the infant hip joint with real-time ultrasound is described. Since the cartilaginous femoral head is clearly imaged by ultrasound, anatomical structures and their relationships can be accurately determined. Dislocated hips are easily detected and subluxations also can be visualized. We report our experience with 131 examinations in 104 patients, comprising 259 single hip studies. Of 83 patients who were previously untreated, there were 178 hip studies with three false-negative and four false-positive ultrasound results. No dislocations were missed. Twenty-seven patients who were already being treated were examined to assess hip location, comprising a total of 81 hip studies. In some cases the patients were examined while in an abduction device, cast, or Pavlik harness. In one case a dislocation was not detected. The method of examination using real-time ultrasound is considered to be reliable, accurate, and a useful adjunct to radiography. The advantages are that it is non-invasive, portable, and involves no exposure to radiation.

The vertical configuration open MRI Scanner (Signa SPIO, General Electric) has been used to assess the place of interventional MR in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip over the last four years. Twenty-six patients have been studied. In static mode, coronal and axial T1 – weighted spin echo images are initially obtained to assess the anatomy of the hip, followed by dynamic imaging in near-real time.

In all cases, dynamic imaging was very good for assessing and demonstrating stability. The best position for containment can be assessed and a hip spica applied. Scanning in two planes gives more information and allows more accurate positioning than an arthrogram. Confirmation of location of the hip after application of the spica can be easily demonstrated. Adductor tenotomies have been performed within the imaging volume, and in two cases, this enabled planning of femoral osteotomies. All patients have had a satisfactory outcome, but five have required open reduction and a Salter innominate osteotomy.

In ten cases, the opportunity has also arisen to alternative perform an arthrogram, either because of the complexity of the cases, or at a later date as an alternative to a repeat MRI, or because of difficulty with access to the machine.

The place of interventional MRI in DDH is not yet defined. As machines get better and the definition improves, the amount of information about the nature of dislocation, the relative size of the acetabulum to the femoral head, the state of the limbus, the best position for containment and stability, and the potential for growth of the acetabulum, particularly posteriorly will be increased.

It follows that the potential for more accurate definition of each hip and the outcome is better – and safer – than by arthrography, which remains the ‘gold standard’ but involves radiation and is only one-dimensional.

We have divided Severin group-V severely dysplastic hips with a false into three subtypes, based on the height and shape of the socket. We performed rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) in 19 hips in 17 young adults with a type-1 ‘low’ false acetabulum which had direct contact with the true acetabulum. This is a periacetabular osteotomy which gives acetabular coverage with articular cartilage and produces a nearly normal position of the head. Concomitant osteotomies of the proximal femur were carried out in 11 hips. We reviewed the patients clinically and radiologically at a mean of ten years (6 to 18) after operation. Of the 19 hips, 15 showed very good or good results.

This operation is indicated in young adults with a dysplastic hip and a type-1 low false acetabulum. Subclassification of Severin group V is a convenient way of defining those patients who would benefit from the procedure.

We treated 26 hips (24 consecutive patients) with residual dysplasia by a technique of incomplete triple pelvic osteotomy. The mean age of the patients was 21.6 years.

The mean values for the pre-operative centre-edge angle of Wiberg, the refined centre-edge angle, the acetabular angle of Sharp, the modified acetabular angle and femoral head lateralisation were 7.7°, −3.1°, 49.3°, 53.2° and 17.2 mm, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 3.3 years they were 27.0°, 13.0°, 38.9°, 44.3° and 15.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.05). The osteoarthritic grading changed adversely in one hip. The mean pre-operative and latest Harris hip scores were 74.9 and 93.0, respectively (p < 0.05).

This technique provides a stable osteotomy with maintenance of the posterior column which allows early mobilisation and minimal internal fixation. The technique is not complex and requires minimal blood transfusion. The use of an image intensifier is not necessary and harvesting of a subcristal bone graft avoids post-operative complications at the donor site.

Background The ossific nucleus of the femoral head is usually present ultrasonographically around 12 weeks of age. It has been considered that the presence of an ossific nucleus in the femoral head is an indication of hip stability. In the ultrasound scan clinic for the assessment of developmental dysplasia of the hip at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, we have identified unstable hips with ossific nuclei, as well as, the appearance of ossific nuclei at as early as 2 weeks of age. These observations suggested the need to clarify the initial considerations that the ossific nucleus appeared ultrasonographically around 12 weeks of age and was an indicator of hip stability.

Aim To determine the relationship, if any, between the presence of the ossific nucleus of the femoral head ultrasonographically and stability of the hip.

Patient selection We have included in our study all the children who have had an ultrasound scan of their hips from 1996 to 1999 at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for suspected developmental dysplasia.

Methodology We have retrospectively reviewed reports of ultrasound scans performed for developmental dysplasia of the hip between 1996 and 1999. We have looked at the report for both the hips of each child. We have collected and analyzed data with regard to the age of the child at the time of the scan, the depth of the acetabulum, the shape of the femoral head, the presence or absence of an ossific nucleus, the dynamic stability of the hips and the congruity of the joint as reported on the ultrasound report. We report the findings in the first 318 hips of the 627 available patients in the study period.

Results The ossific nucleus can appear as early as 2 weeks and yet may not be visible until 24 weeks. In the 318 hips examined the ossific nucleus was present in 46 (14.47%). The age range for these scans was 1–40 weeks after birth. Of the 318 hips 252 (79.24%) were stable on dynamic screening, 274 (86.16%) had a normal(spherical) appearance of the femoral head, 209 (65.72%) had normal acetabular development and 263 (82.7%) demonstrated congruence of the hip joint. These data have been analyzed using Microsoft excel at confidence intervals of 0.8, which suggest no relationship between the presence of the ossific nucleus and hip stability.

Conclusion The limited early results of this study have shown that the ossific nucleus of the femoral head can appear from a very early age, may not appear until well after 12 weeks of age and is not an indicator of hip stability. Its presence on ultrasound scan does not exclude developmental dysplasia of the hip.