Developmental Dysplasia of Hip

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DDH Fundamentals - Hip Hitch 101

  • Definition: DDH is a spectrum of developmental abnormalities affecting the immature hip joint, ranging from subtle acetabular dysplasia to frank dislocation of the femoral head.
  • Incidence: 1-3 cases per 1000 live births.
  • Key Risk Factors:
    • 📌 Female sex (4-6x higher risk)
    • 📌 Firstborn child
    • 📌 Family history of DDH
    • 📌 Frank breech presentation
    • 📌 Fluid (Oligohydramnios)
    • Left hip predominance
    • Improper swaddling (legs extended, adducted) Spectrum of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

⭐ Breech presentation is a highly significant risk factor for DDH.

Pathoanatomy & Diagnosis - Spotting Wobbly Joints

Pathoanatomy:

  • Acetabular Dysplasia: Shallow, oblique socket (↑ Acetabular Index).
  • Femoral Head: Subluxated/dislocated, often superolateral.
  • Capsule & Ligaments: Stretched, lax; ligamentum teres hypertrophy.
  • Soft Tissue Obstacles: Inverted limbus, pulvinar, tight adductors/iliopsoas.

Clinical Diagnosis:

  • Neonates/Infants (<3 months):
    • Barlow Maneuver: Dislocates (Adduct + Posterior pressure). 📌 "Barlow = Bad / Back"
    • Ortolani Maneuver: Reduces (Abduct + Anterior pressure). 📌 "Ortolani = Out / Open"
  • Infants (3-12 months):
    • Limited hip abduction (< 60°).
    • Galeazzi Sign: Unequal knee heights (femoral shortening).
    • Asymmetric thigh/gluteal skin folds.
  • Walking Child (>12 months):
    • Painless limp / Trendelenburg gait.
    • Waddling gait (if bilateral DDH).

⭐ Ortolani and Barlow tests are most reliable in the first 2-3 months; sensitivity decreases later due to soft tissue contractures.

Imaging:

Ultrasound of infant hip with Graf classification angles DDH AP Pelvis X-ray with key measurement lines

Management Strategy - Align & Conquer

Goal: Achieve stable, concentric hip reduction. Treatment guided by age at diagnosis.

  • Key Principles:
    • Early intervention yields best outcomes.
    • Avoid forceful abduction (↑ AVN risk).
    • Regular follow-up for growth & AVN monitoring.
  • Pavlik Harness (0-6 months):
    • Dynamic flexion (100-110°) & abduction (30-50°) orthosis.
    • Worn 23 hrs/day. Wean after USG normalisation.
    • Monitor weekly initially.
    • ⚠️ Complications: Femoral nerve palsy, AVN, skin issues.

⭐ Pavlik harness "safe zone" (Ramsey): Hip flexion 90-110°, abduction 30-60°. Crucial to prevent AVN & ensure reduction.

  • Closed Reduction (CR) + Spica Cast (6-18 months):

    • Under GA; adductor tenotomy common.
    • Confirm reduction: arthrogram, CT ("CT stabogram").
    • Cast duration: ~3 months.
  • Open Reduction (OR):

    • If CR fails or older children (>18 months).
    • Often requires femoral and/or pelvic osteotomies for stability.
      • Pelvic: Salter, Dega, Pemberton.
      • Femoral: Shortening, Varus Derotation Osteotomy (VDRO).

Infant in Pavlik harness for DDH treatment

Complications & Long-Term - Pitfalls & Prognosis

  • Avascular Necrosis (AVN): Most serious. Risk: forceful reduction, extreme abduction.
  • Residual Dysplasia: Leads to early Osteoarthritis (OA), chronic pain.
  • Redislocation/Subluxation
  • Joint Stiffness: Especially limited abduction.
  • Gait Abnormalities: Persistent limp, waddling.
  • Leg Length Discrepancy
  • Premature Physeal Arrest
  • Prognosis: Good if treated <6 months. Delayed diagnosis ↑ long-term OA risk.

    ⭐ Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is the most common serious complication following reduction maneuvers for DDH.

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High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Neonatal screening: Barlow (dislocates), Ortolani (relocates); Galeazzi sign in older infants.
  • Risk factors: Female, Firstborn, Family Hx, Frank breech (4Fs).
  • Diagnosis: Ultrasound < 6 months; X-ray > 6 months (Shenton's line, ↑ Acetabular Index).
  • Treatment < 6 months: Pavlik harness (flexion, abduction).
  • Treatment 6-18 months: Closed reduction & spica cast; Open reduction if older/failed.
  • Complication: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head.
  • Untreated: Leads to limp, pain, early osteoarthritis.

Practice Questions: Developmental Dysplasia of Hip

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Which of the following best indicates poor prognosis in Developmental Dysplasia of Hip?

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Flashcards: Developmental Dysplasia of Hip

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_____creased lumbar lordosis is seen in DDH.

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_____creased lumbar lordosis is seen in DDH.

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