Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a complex disorder that refers to different hip problems, ranging from neonatal instability to acetabular or femoral dysplasia, hip subluxation, and hip dislocation. It may result in structural modifications, which may lead to early coxarthrosis. Despite identifying the risk factors, the exact aetiology and pathophysiology are still unclear. Neonatal screening, along with physical examination and ultrasound, is critical for the early diagnosis of DDH to prevent the occurrence of early coxarthrosis. This review summarizes the currently practised strategies for the detection and treatment of DDH, focusing particularly on current practices for managing residual acetabular dysplasia (AD). AD may persist even after a successful hip reduction. Pelvic osteotomy is required in cases of persistent AD. It could also be undertaken simultaneously with an open hip reduction. Evaluation of the residual dysplasia (RD) of the hip and its management is still a highly active area of discussion. Recent research has opened the door to discussion on this issue and suggested treatment options for AD. But there is still room for more research to assist in managing AD.

Humeral lateral condyle fractures in children: redefining the criteria for displacement.

The aim of this study is to define paediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures prone to later displacement. The authors reviewed 106 children who were treated surgically for this fracture. There were 74 boys and 32 girls with an age range of 3-10 years. The study included 27 minimally displaced and 79 displaced fractures. The average follow-up was 50 months. Binary logistic regression model indicated that 6-8-year-old children with minimally displaced fractures and who underwent immediate surgery have a better chance for satisfactory results. The authors concluded that routine use of 2 mm displacement for treatment decisions should be changed to avoid delayed surgery.

Acetabular cartilaginous angle: a new method for predicting acetabular development in developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between 2 and 18 months of age.

BACKGROUND: A new method of arthrographic measurement, the acetabular cartilaginous angle (ACA), is described here in an effort to find a simple, reliable, and reproducible measurement that can predict future acetabular development after successful closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for children with DDH who were treated successfully by closed reduction in the authors' institute from 1994 through 2000. The total number of patients who completed the follow-up in our study until full acetabular development or acetabuloplasty was 162, with 234 affected hips. Their age at the time of closed reduction ranged between 2 and 18 months (mean, 7.48 months; SD +/-5.162). There were 135 girls and 27 boys. Frank dislocation of the hip was present in 195 hips, whereas acetabular dysplasia with or without lateralization of the femoral head was seen in 39 hips. The average follow-up was 9.2 years (range, 6-11 years). RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of 6 variables showed that the mean age and acetabular index at the time of closed reduction were significant to predict later acetabuloplasty, whereas ACA was highly significant. These 3 significant variables together had 96.58% correct prediction. The authors observed that some hips with high acetabular index developed satisfactorily, and other hips with small values required later acetabuloplasties. On the other hand, there was a clear cut value of ACA (20 degrees) under which almost all hips (99.5%) developed satisfactorily and another clear cut value of ACA (24 degrees) above which all hips (100%) needed acetabuloplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular cartilaginous angle is considered a reliable measurement to identify hips with DDH that will need later acetabuloplasty after successful closed reduction. The acetabular index is important in monitoring acetabular development, and reaching a value of less than 30 degrees 2 years after closed reduction is considered a good sign of acetabular development.