Aims

The aims of this study were to compare clinically relevant measurements of hip dysplasia on radiographs taken in the supine and standing position, and to compare Hip2Norm software and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)-derived digital radiological measurements.

Aims

Rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) has been reported to be effective in improving symptoms and preventing osteoarthritis (OA) progression in patients with mild to severe develomental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, some patients develop secondary OA even when the preoperative joint space is normal; determining who will progress to OA is difficult. We evaluated whether the preoperative cartilage condition may predict OA progression following surgery using T2 mapping MRI.

Aims. Abduction bracing is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) following closed reduction and spica casting, with little evidence to support or refute this practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of abduction bracing after closed reduction in improving acetabular index (AI) and reducing secondary surgery for residual hip dysplasia. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of patients treated with closed reduction for DDH at a single tertiary referral centre. Demographic data were obtained including severity of dislocation based on the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) classification, age at reduction, and casting duration. Patients were prescribed no abduction bracing, part-time, or full-time wear post-reduction and casting. AI measurements were obtained immediately upon cast removal and from two- and four-year follow-up radiographs. Results. A total of 243 hips underwent closed reduction and 82% (199/243) were treated with abduction bracing. There was no difference between those treated with or without bracing with regard to sex, age at reduction, severity of dislocation, spica duration, or immediate post-casting AI (all p > 0.05). There was no difference in hips treated with or without abduction brace with regard to AI at two years post-reduction (32.4° (SD 5.3°) vs 30.9° (SD 4.6°), respectively; p = 0.099) or at four years post-reduction (26.4° (SD 5.2°) vs 25.4° (SD 5.1°), respectively; p = 0.231). Multivariate analysis revealed only IHDI grade predicted AI at two years post-reduction (p = 0.004). There was no difference in overall rate of secondary surgery for residual dysplasia between hips treated with or without bracing (32% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.372). However, there was an increased risk of early secondary surgery (< two years post-reduction) in the non-braced group (11.4% vs 2.5%; p = 0.019). Conclusion. Abduction bracing following closed reduction for DDH treatment is not associated with decreased residual dysplasia at two or four years post-reduction but may reduce rates of early secondary surgery. A prospective study is indicated to provide more definitive recommendations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1327–1332

Aims. Eccentric reductions may become concentric through femoral head ‘docking’ (FHD) following closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, changes regarding position and morphology through FHD are not well understood. We aimed to assess these changes using serial MRI. Methods. We reviewed 103 patients with DDH successfully treated by CR and spica casting in a single institution between January 2016 and December 2020. MRI was routinely performed immediately after CR and at the end of each cast. Using MRI, we described the labrum-acetabular cartilage complex (LACC) morphology, and measured the femoral head to triradiate cartilage distance (FTD) on the midcoronal section. A total of 13 hips with initial complete reduction (i.e. FTD < 1 mm) and ten hips with incomplete MRI follow-up were excluded. A total of 86 patients (92 hips) with a FTD > 1 mm were included in the analysis. Results. At the end of the first cast period, 73 hips (79.3%) had a FTD < 1 mm. Multiple regression analysis showed that FTD (p = 0.011) and immobilization duration (p = 0.028) were associated with complete reduction. At the end of the second cast period, all 92 hips achieved complete reduction. The LACC on initial MRI was inverted in 69 hips (75.0%), partly inverted in 16 hips (17.4%), and everted in seven hips (7.6%). The LACC became everted-congruent in 45 hips (48.9%) and 92 hips (100%) at the end of the first and second cast period, respectively. However, a residual inverted labrum was present in 50/85 hips (58.8%) with an initial inverted or partly inverted LACC. Conclusion. An eccentric reduction can become concentric after complete reduction and LACC remodelling following CR for DDH. Varying immobilization durations were required for achieving complete reduction. A residual inverted labrum was present in more than half of all hips after LACC remodelling. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):140–147

Aims. To assess if congenital foot deformity is a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. Between 1996 and 2012, 60,844 children were born in Sør-Trøndelag county in Norway. In this cohort study, children with risk factors for DDH were examined using ultrasound. The risk factors evaluated were clinical hip instability, breech delivery, a family history of DDH, a foot deformity, and some syndromes. As the aim of the study was to examine the risk for DDH and foot deformity in the general population, children with syndromes were excluded. The information has been prospectively registered and retrospectively analyzed. Results. Overall, 494 children (0.8%) had DDH, and 1,132 (1.9%) a foot deformity. Of the children with a foot deformity, 49 (4.3%) also demonstrated DDH. There was a statistically significant increased association between DDH and foot deformity (p < 0.001). The risk of DDH was highest for talipes calcaneovalgus (6.1%) and club foot (3.5%), whereas metatarsus adductus (1.5%) had a marginal increased risk of DDH. Conclusion. Compared with the general population, children with a congenital foot deformity had a significantly increased risk for DDH and therefore we regard foot deformity as a true risk factor for DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1582–1586

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. The study analyzed a consecutive series of 69 patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted THA between September 2018 and December 2019. Of these, 30 patients had DDH and were classified according to the Crowe type. Acetabular component alignment and 3D positions were measured using pre- and postoperative CT data. The absolute differences of cup alignment and 3D position were compared between DDH and non-DDH patients. Moreover, these differences were analyzed in relation to the severity of DDH. The discrepancy of leg length and combined offset compared with contralateral hip were measured. Results. The mean values of absolute differences (postoperative CT-preoperative plan) were 1.7° (standard deviation (SD) 2.0) (inclination) and 2.5° (SD 2.1°) (anteversion) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between non-DDH and DDH patients. The mean absolute differences for 3D cup position were 1.1 mm (SD 1.0) (coronal plane) and 1.2 mm (SD 2.1) (axial plane) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between two groups. No significant difference was found either in cup alignment between postoperative CT and navigation record after cup screws or in the severity of DDH. Excellent restoration of leg length and combined offset were achieved in both groups. Conclusion. We demonstrated that robotic-assisted THA may achieve precise cup positioning in DDH patients, and may be useful in those with severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):629–638

Aims. The aims of this study were to characterize the incidence and risk factors associated with stress fractures following periacetabular osteotomy, and to determine their effect on osteotomy union. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs) performed for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at one institution over a six-year period between 2012 and 2017. Perioperative factors were recorded, and included demographic and surgical data. Postoperatively, patients were followed for a minimum of one year with anteroposterior and false profile radiographs of the pelvis to monitor for evidence of stress fracture and union of osteotomies. We characterized the incidence and locations of stress fractures, and used univariate and multivariable analysis to identify factors predictive of stress fracture and the association of stress fracture on osteotomy union. Results. A total of 331 patients underwent PAO during the study period with 56 (15.4%) stress fractures: 46 fractures of the retroacetabular posterior column, five cases of ischiopubic stress fracture, and five cases of concurrent ischiopubic and retroacetabular stress fractures. Overall, 86% (48/56) healed without intervention. Univariate analysis revealed that stress fractures occurred more frequently in females (p = 0.040), older patients (mean age 27.6 years (SD 8.4) vs 23.8 (SD 9.0); p = 0.003), and most often with the use of the broad Mast chisel (28.5%; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that increasing age (odds ratio (OR) 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07; p = 0.028) and use of the broad Mast chisel (OR 5.1 (95% CI 1.3 to 19.0) compared to narrow Ganz chisel; p = 0.038) and surgeon (p = 0.043) were associated with increased risk of stress fracture. Patients with stress fractures were less likely to have healed osteotomies after one-year follow-up (76% vs 96%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Stress fracture of the posterior column may be an under-recognized complication following PAO, and the rate may be influenced by surgical technique. Consideration should be given to using a narrow chisel during the ischial cut to reduce the risk of stress propagation through the posterior column. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1017–1024

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of guided growth and varus osteotomy in treating Kalamchi type II avascular necrosis (AVN) after open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. This retrospective study reviewed patients undergoing guided growth or varus osteotomy for Kalamchi type II AVN between September 2009 and January 2019. All children who had undergone open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for DDH with a minimum two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Demographic and radiological data, which included the head-shaft angle (HSA), neck-shaft angle (NSA), articulotrochanteric distance (ATD), Sharp angle (SA), and lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) at baseline, two years, and at the extended follow-up, were compared. Revision rates were evaluated. Clinical outcomes using the Harris Hip Score were assessed two years postoperatively. Results. A total of 24 patients underwent guided growth and 19 underwent varus osteotomy, over a mean period of 3.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8 to 3.8) and 5.2 years (95% CI 4.5 to 6.0), respectively. There were no differences in demographic and preoperative radiological data, except for a younger age at time of acetabuloplasty and larger ATD for the osteotomy group. The HSA did not differ at two years and the extended follow-up because of postoperative rebound in the osteotomy group. The NSA of the osteotomy group remained smaller postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the follow-up ATD, SA, and LCEA, except for a smaller two-year ATD of the osteotomy group. Seven patients (29.2%) in the guided growth group underwent revision surgery and none in the osteotomy group. The Harris Hip Score was similar between groups. Conclusion. Guided growth and varus osteotomy had comparable results in improving caput valgum deformity, given the rebound of lateral tilting of the physis after osteotomy correction. There were no differences in clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):902–908

Aims. To determine the likelihood of achieving a successful closed reduction (CR) of a dislocated hip in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) after failed Pavlik harness treatment We report the rate of avascular necrosis (AVN) and the need for further surgical procedures. Methods. Data was obtained from the Northern Ireland DDH database. All children who underwent an attempted closed reduction between 2011 and 2016 were identified. Children with a dislocated hip that failed Pavlik harness treatment were included in the study. Successful closed reduction was defined as a hip that reduced in theatre and remained reduced. Most recent imaging was assessed for the presence of AVN using the Kalamchi and MacEwen classification. Results. There were 644 dislocated hips in 543 patients initially treated in Pavlik harness. In all, 67 hips failed Pavlik harness treatment and proceeded to arthrogram (CR) under general anaesthetic at an average age of 180 days. The number of hips that were deemed reduced in theatre was 46 of the 67 (69%). A total of 11 hips re-dislocated and underwent open reduction, giving a true successful CR rate of 52%. For the total cohort of 67 hips that went to theatre for arthrogram and attempted CR, five (7%) developed clinically significant AVN at an average follow-up of four years and one month, while none of the 35 hips whose reduction was truly successful developed clinically significant AVN. Conclusion. The likelihood of a successful closed reduction of a dislocated hip in the Northern Ireland population, which has failed Pavlik harness treatment, is 52% with a clinically significant AVN rate of 7%. As such, we continue to advocate closed reduction under general anaesthetic for the hip that has failed Pavlik harness. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):594–598

Aims. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) diagnosed after one-year of age in England, stratified by age, gender, year, and region of diagnosis. Patients and Methods. A descriptive observational study was performed by linking primary and secondary care information from two independent national databases of routinely collected data: the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics. The study examined all children from 1 January 1990 to 1 January 2016 who had a new first diagnostic code for DDH aged between one and eight years old. Results. The incidence of late-diagnosed DDH was 1.28 per 1000 live births. Within the study population, 754 children were identified with a diagnosis of DDH after one-year of age. Of all late diagnoses, 536 (71.1%) were detected between one to two years of age. There were 608 female patients (80.6%) and 146 male patients (19.4%), giving a female-to-male ratio of 4.2:1. Distribution was evenly spread throughout England. Conclusion. The incidence of late-diagnosed DDH has not been reduced from that reported 35 years ago, prior to the introduction of the national selective screening programme for DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:281–287

Aims. The diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging owing to extensive variation in paediatric pelvic anatomy. Artificial intelligence (AI) may represent an effective diagnostic tool for DDH. Here, we aimed to develop an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph deep learning system for diagnosing DDH in children and analyze the feasibility of its application. Methods. In total, 10,219 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were retrospectively collected from April 2014 to December 2018. Clinicians labelled each radiograph using a uniform standard method. Radiographs were grouped according to age and into ‘dislocation’ (dislocation and subluxation) and ‘non-dislocation’ (normal cases and those with dysplasia of the acetabulum) groups based on clinical diagnosis. The deep learning system was trained and optimized using 9,081 radiographs; 1,138 test radiographs were then used to compare the diagnoses made by deep learning system and clinicians. The accuracy of the deep learning system was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the consistency of acetabular index measurements was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Results. In all, 1,138 patients (242 males; 896 females; mean age 1.5 years (SD 1.79; 0 to 10) were included in this study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the deep learning system for diagnosing hip dislocation were 0.975, 276/289 (95.5%), and 1,978/1,987 (99.5%), respectively. Compared with clinical diagnoses, the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement for acetabular index, as determined by the deep learning system from the radiographs of non-dislocated and dislocated hips, were -3.27° - 2.94° and -7.36° - 5.36°, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The deep learning system was highly consistent, more convenient, and more effective for diagnosing DDH compared with clinician-led diagnoses. Deep learning systems should be considered for analysis of anteroposterior pelvic radiographs when diagnosing DDH. The deep learning system will improve the current artificially complicated screening referral process. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1574–1581

Aims. The goal of closed reduction (CR) in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is to achieve and maintain concentricity of the femoral head in the acetabulum. However, concentric reduction is not immediately attainable in all hips and it remains controversial to what degree a non-concentric reduction is acceptable. This prospective study is aimed at investigating the dynamic evolution of the hip joint space after CR in DDH using MRI. Methods. A consecutive series of patients with DDH who underwent CR since March 2014 were studied. Once the safety and stability were deemed adequate intraoperatively, reduction was accepted regardless of concentricity. Concentricity was defined when the superior joint space (SJS) and medial joint space (MJS) were both less than 2 mm, based on MRI. A total of 30 children, six boys and 24 girls, involving 35 hips, were recruited for the study. The mean age at CR was 13.7 months (3.5 to 27.6) and the mean follow-up was 49.5 months (approximately four years) (37 to 60). The joint space was evaluated along with the interval between the inverted and everted limbus. Results. Only three hips (8.6%) were fully concentric immediately after CR. During follow-up, 24 hips (68.6%) and 27 hips (77.1%) became concentric at six months and one year, respectively. Immediate SJS after CR decreased from 3.51 mm to 0.79 mm at six months follow-up (p = 0.001). SJS in the inverted group decreased from 3.75 mm to 0.97 mm at six months follow-up. SJS or MJS in the everted group were less than those in the inverted group at each time of follow-up (p = 0.008, p = 0.002). Conclusion. A stable, safe but non-concentric reduction achieved before the age of two years appears to improve over time with nearly 80% of hips becoming fully concentric by one year. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):618–626

Aims. The most important complication of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, which can result in proximal femoral growth disturbances leading to pain, dysfunction, and eventually to early onset osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to identify morphological variants in hip joint development that are predictive of a poor outcome. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who developed AVN after DDH treatment, either by closed and/or open reduction, at a single institution between 1984 and 2007 with a minimal follow-up of eight years. Standard pelvis radiographs obtained at ages one, two, three, five, and eight years, and at latest follow-up were retrieved. The Bucholz-Ogden classification was used to determine the type of AVN on all radiographs. Poor outcome was defined by Severin classification grade 3 or above on the latest follow-up radiographs and/or the need for secondary surgery. With statistical shape modelling, we identified the different shape variants of the hip at each age. Logistic regression analysis was used to associate the different modes or shape variants with poor outcome. Results. In all, 135 patients with AVN were identified, with a minimum of eight years of follow-up. Mean age at time of surgery was 7.0 months (SD 0.45), and mean follow-up was 13.3 years (SD 3.7). Overall, 46% had AVN type 1 while 54% type 2 or higher. More than half of the patients (52.6%) had a poor outcome. We found 11 shape variants that were significantly associated with a poor outcome. These shape variants were predominantly linked to AVN type 2 or higher. Conclusion. Specific morphological characteristics on pelvis radiographs of AVN hips were predictive for poor outcome, at a very young age. There was an overall stronger association to Bucholz-Ogden types 2-3-4 with the exception of two modes at age two and five years, linked to AVN type 1. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):999–1004

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine whether hips with unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) have significant asymmetry in femoral length, and to determine potential related factors. Patients and Methods. We enrolled 90 patients (82 female, eight male) with DDH showing unilateral OA changes, and 43 healthy volunteers (26 female, 17 male) as controls. The mean age was 61.8 years (39 to 93) for the DDH groups, and 71.2 years (57 to 84) for the control group. Using a CT-based coordinate measurement system, we evaluated the following vertical distances: top of the greater trochanter to the knee centre (femoral length GT), most medial prominence of the lesser trochanter to the knee centre (femoral length LT), and top of the greater trochanter to the medial prominence of the lesser trochanter (intertrochanteric distance), along with assessments of femoral neck anteversion and neck shaft angle. Results. The percentages of hips with an absolute difference of > 5 mm in femoral GT and LT lengths were significantly larger in the DDH group (24% for both) compared with those of the control group (2% and 7%, respectively). The femoral length GT of the affected femur was significantly shorter in Crowe I and longer in Crowe IV than that of the unaffected side. The affected-to-unaffected difference of the intertrochanteric distance showed positive correlation with that of the femoral length GT in Crowe I and Crowe II/III, and negative correlation with that of the femoral length LT in the Crowe I and Crowe IV groups. Conclusion. Hips with unilateral end-stage OA secondary to DDH show significant asymmetry in femoral length between both the greater and lesser trochanter and the knee compared with controls. The intertrochanteric distance was a morphological factor related to femoral-length asymmetry. When undertaking total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the presence of DDH, long leg radiographs or CT measurements should be used to assess true leg-length discrepancy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:297–302

Aims. Iliopsoas pathology is a relatively uncommon cause of pain following total hip arthroplasty (THA), typically presenting with symptoms of groin pain on active flexion and/or extension of the hip. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options have been reported. In this retrospective cohort study, we report the incidence of iliopsoas pathology and treatment outcomes. Methods. A retrospective review of 1,000 patients who underwent THA over a five-year period was conducted, to determine the incidence of patients diagnosed with iliopsoas pathology. Outcome following non-surgical and surgical management was assessed. Results. In all, 24 patients were diagnosed as having developed symptomatic iliopsoas pathology giving an incidence of 2.4%. While the mean age for receiving a THA was 65 years, the mean age for developing iliopsoas pathology was 54 years (28 to 67). Younger patients and those receiving THA for conditions other than primary osteoarthritis were at a higher risk of developing this complication. Ultrasound-guided steroid injection/physiotherapy resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in 61% of cases, partial resolution in 13%, and no benefit in 26%. Eight out of 24 patients (who initially responded to injection) subsequently underwent surgical intervention including tenotomy (n = 7) and revision of the acetabular component (n = 1). Conclusion. This is the largest case series to estimate the incidence of iliopsoas pathology to date. There is a higher incidence of this condition in younger patients, possibly due to the differing surgical indications. Arthoplasty for Perthes' disease or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) often results in leg length and horizontal offset being increased. This, in turn, may increase tension on the iliopsoas tendon, possibly resulting in a higher risk of psoas irritation. Image-guided steroid injection is a low-risk, relatively effective treatment. In refractory cases, tendon release may be considered. Patients should be counselled of the risk of persisting groin pain when undergoing THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):305–308

Aims. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients younger than six months of age with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) managed by either a Pavlik harness or Tübingen hip flexion splint. Methods. Records of 251 consecutive infants with a mean age of 89 days (SD 47), diagnosed with DDH between January 2015 and December 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria for patients with DDH were: younger than 180 days at the time of diagnosis; ultrasound Graf classification of IIc or greater; treatment by Pavlik harness or Tübingen splint; and no prior treatment history. All patients underwent hip ultrasound every seven days during the first three weeks of treatment and subsequently every three to four weeks until completion of treatment. If no signs of improvement were found after three weeks, the Pavlik harness or Tübingen splint was discontinued. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. The study included 251 patients with Graf grades IIc to IV in 18 males and 233 females with DDH. Mean follow-up time was 22 months (SD 10). A total of 116 hips were graded as Graf IIc (39.1%), nine as grade D (3.0%), 100 as grade III (33.7%), and 72 as grade IV (24.2%). There were 109 patients (128 hips) in the Pavlik group and 142 patients (169 hips) in the Tübingen group (p = 0.227). The Tübingen group showed a 69.8% success rate in Graf III and Graf IV hips while the success rate was significantly lower in the Pavlik group, 53.9% (p = 0.033). For infants older than three months of age, the Tübingen group showed a 71.4% success rate, and the Pavlik group a 54.4% success rate (p = 0.047). Conclusion. The Tübingen splint should be the preferred treatment option for children older than three months, and for those with severe forms of DDH such as Graf grade III and IV, who are younger than six months at time of diagnosis. The Tübingen hip flexion splint is a valid alternative to the Pavlik harness for older infants and those with more severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):991–998

Aims. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of the different ultrasound phenotypes of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and to determine their subsequent course. Patients and Methods. A consecutive series of 28 092 neonates was screened and classified according to the Graf method as part of a nationwide surveillance programme, and then followed prospectively. Abnormal hips were followed until they became normal (Graf type I). Type IIb hips and higher grades were treated by abduction in a Tübinger orthosis until normal. Dislocated hips underwent closed or open reduction. Results. Overall, 90.2% of hips were normal at birth. Type IIa hips (8.9%) became normal at a median of six weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 6 to 9). Type IIc and IId hips (0.67%) became normal after ten weeks (IQR 7 to 13). There were 19 type lll and eight type lV hips at baseline. There were 24 closed reductions and one open reduction. No late presentations of DDH were detected within the first five years of life. Conclusion. The incidence of DDH was eight per 1000 live births. The treatment rate was 1% (n = 273). The rate of first operations on the newborn hip was 0.86, and rate of open surgery was 0.04. The cumulative rate of open surgery was 0.07. The authors take the view that early identification and treatment in abduction of all dysplastic hips in early childhood reduces the rate of open reduction and secondary DDH-related surgery later in life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1399–1404

Aims. To monitor the performance of services for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Northern Ireland and identify potential improvements to enhance quality of service and plan for the future. Methods. This was a prospective observational study, involving all infants treated for DDH between 2011 and 2017. Children underwent clinical assessment and radiological investigation as per the regional surveillance policy. The regional radiology data was interrogated to quantify the use of ultrasound and ionizing radiation for this population. Results. Evidence-based changes were made to the Northern Ireland screening programme, including an increase in ultrasound scanning capacity and expansion of nurse-led screening clinics. The number of infant hip ultrasound scans increased from 4,788 in 2011, to approximately 7,000 in 2013 and subsequent years. The number of hip radiographs on infants of less than one year of age fell from 7,381 to 2,208 per year. There was a modest increase in the treatment rate from 10.9 to 14.3 per 1,000 live births but there was a significant reduction in the number of closed hip reductions. The incidence of infants diagnosed with DDH after one year of age was 0.30 per 1,000 live births over the entire period. Conclusion. Improving compliance with the regional infant hip screening protocols led to reduction in operative procedures and reduced the number of pelvic radiographs of infants. We conclude that performance monitoring of screening programmes for DDH is essential to provide a quality service. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):495–500

Aims. This study aimed to explore whether intraoperative nerve monitoring can identify risk factors and reduce the incidence of nerve injury in patients with high-riding developmental dysplasia. Patients and Methods. We conducted a historical controlled study of patients with unilateral Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between October 2016 and October 2017, intraoperative nerve monitoring of the femoral and sciatic nerves was applied in total hip arthroplasty (THA). A neuromonitoring technician was employed to monitor nerve function and inform the surgeon of ongoing changes in a timely manner. Patients who did not have intraoperative nerve monitoring between September 2015 and October 2016 were selected as the control group. All the surgeries were performed by one surgeon. Demographics and clinical data were analyzed. A total of 35 patients in the monitoring group (ten male, 25 female; mean age 37.1 years (20 to 46)) and 56 patients in the control group (13 male, 43 female; mean age 37.9 years (23 to 52)) were enrolled. The mean follow-up of all patients was 13.1 months (10 to 15). Results. The two groups had no significant differences in preoperative data. In the monitoring group, ten nerve alerts occurred intraoperatively, and no neural complications were detected postoperatively. In the control group, six patients had neural complications. The rate of nerve injury was lower in the monitoring group than in the control group, but this did not achieve statistical significance. The degree of leg lengthening was significantly greater in the monitoring group than in the control group. In further analyses, patients who had previous hip surgery were more likely to have intraoperative nerve alerts and postoperative nerve injury. Conclusion. Nerve injury usually occurred during the processes of exposure and reduction. The use of intraoperative nerve monitoring showed a trend towards reduced nerve injury in THA for Crowe IV DDH patients. Hence, we recommend its routine use in patients undergoing leg lengthening, especially in those with previous hip surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1438–1446

Aims. Morphological abnormalities are present in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We studied and compared the pelvic anatomy and morphology between the affected hemipelvis with the unaffected side in patients with unilateral Crowe type IV DDH using 3D imaging and analysis. Methods. A total of 20 patients with unilateral Crowe-IV DDH were included in the study. The contralateral side was considered normal in all patients. A coordinate system based on the sacral base (SB) in a reconstructed pelvic model was established. The pelvic orientations (tilt, rotation, and obliquity) of the affected side were assessed by establishing a virtual anterior pelvic plane (APP). The bilateral coordinates of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the centres of hip rotation were established, and parameters concerning size and volume were compared for both sides of the pelvis. Results. The ASIS on the dislocated side was located inferiorly and anteriorly compared to the healthy side (coordinates on the y-axis and z-axis; p = 0.001; p = 0.031). The centre of hip rotation on the dislocated side was located inferiorly and medially compared to the healthy side (coordinates on the x-axis and the y-axis; p < 0.001; p = 0.003). The affected hemipelvis tilted anteriorly in the sagittal plane (mean 8.05° (SD 3.57°)), anteriorly rotated in the transverse plane (mean 3.31° (SD 1.41°)), and tilted obliquely and caudally in the coronal plane (mean 2.04° (SD 0.81°)) relative to the healthy hemipelvis. The affected hemipelvis was significantly smaller in the length, width, height, and volume than the healthy counterpart. (p = 0.014; p = 0.009; p = 0.035; p = 0.002). Conclusion. Asymmetric abnormalities were identified on the affected hemipelvis in patients with the unilateral Crowe-IV DDH using 3D imaging techniques. Improved understanding of the morphological changes may influence the positioning of the acetabular component at THA. Acetabular component malpositioning errors caused by anterior tilt of the affected hemi pelvis and the abnormal position of the affected side centre of rotation should be considered by orthopaedic surgeons when undertaking THA in patients with Crowe-IV DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1311–1318