Do the risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip differ according to gender? A look from another perspective.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine if there were gender differences in risk factors in 4415 infants who were evaluated through a physical examination and hip ultrasonography (USG). METHODS: Physical examination of the hip and hip USG were performed on 4415 infants by the same paediatric orthopaedics specialist. Barlow and Ortolani tests were performed together with the evaluation for the limitation of abduction. Ultrasonographic hip examination was performed according to the Graf technique. The birth records of all the infants were examined, and anamneses (genetic disease, maternal age, delivery type, swaddling, multiple pregnancies, duration of gestation period, gravida, birthweight, breech presentation, oligohydramnios and family history) were obtained from the families. Any accompanying musculoskeletal (torticollis, pes equinovarus, congenital knee dislocation) abnormality was recorded. RESULTS: Pathological hip was determined in 149 (3.37%) of 4415 infants. In males, gestational week, family history, breech presentation, swaddling, congenital knee dislocation and limited abduction were observed to be significant for the presence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). In females, significant factors for the presence of DDH were determined to include birthweight, gestational week, breech presentation, multiple pregnancy, accompanying oligohydramnios, torticollis, pes equinovarus and limited abduction. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for DDH can differ according to gender.

Effect of increase in birth weight in a newborn on hip ultrasonography.

Exposure to the pressure experienced by higher birth weight babies during the intrauterine period might cause hip dysplasia. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of birth weight in newborns on hip ultrasonography when the paternal and maternal risk factors are excluded. A total of 701 babies born at 38-42 gestational weeks were included in the study. Hip ultrasonography was performed within 7 days following birth using the Graf technique in the babies without risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Images obtained were controlled with respect to conformity to the Graf method and angular measurements were performed. According to the α and ß angle values obtained, type 1A and 1B hips were categorized as mature; type 2A hips were categorized as immature; and type 2C, D, 3A, 3B, and 4 hips were categorized as pathological hips. The results obtained were analyzed for the effect of birth weight on the angular values and hip typing. The birth weight of the babies was 338,488 ± 48,241 g (2030-6124 g). It was determined that the birth weight had no effect on the values of α and ß angles in the male babies (P=0.21, 0.76). It was determined that increasing birth weight decreased the α angle value (P=0.001) and caused no difference in the ß angle value (P=0.057) in the female babies. It was found that birth weight had no effect on hip typing in both female and male babies (P=0.060, 0.22). Increases in birth weights caused decreases in ultrasonographic α angles only in female babies.