Diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Part 1 - from newborns to children in prewalking age
Abstract
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common orthopedic abnormalities present at birth. It is defined by the incapacity of acetabulum to contain femoral head and it is possible to categorise this condition according to severity do three basic degrees: acetabular dysplasia, instability and dislocation.
Current possibilities of the imaging methods may lead to the underestimation of the physical examination. "Technical" failure of imaging examination without physical evaluation may significantly influence the health status of the child, especially in newborn and infant period. In this review, we offer overview of the currently used diagnostic methods of DDH from birth to pre-walking age.
These methods are available in all orthopedic departments. They include physical examination, basic description of ultrasonographic examination of the newborns and infants a radiographic imaging including arthrography.
After the acquiring of these methods it is possible to evaluate the status of hip joint precisely and to decide rationally for treatment option.