Role of arthrography in assessing the closed reduction in treatment of DDH.

Abstract

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in newborns. It occurs in 1in 1000 live births affecting girls more than boys and more associated with breech presentation and positive family history. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of arthrography in assessing the closed reduction of DDH. Study Design: Clinicial Study. Setting: This study was conducted at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, Period: From December 2013 to January 2016 and comprised patients of either gender. Material & Methods: DDH was diagnosed with help of clinical examination and radiological investigations. Arthrography was performed and images were taken in different positions of the hip which were evaluated and findings noted. Results: Out of 50 hips, 34 had normal looking head of femur while 16 patients had head of femur which was either smaller than normal or of abnormal shape. Shape of acetabulum was found normal in 41 hips. Normal labrum was present in 44, inverted in 4 and everted in 2 patients. Ligamentum teres was found hypertrophic in 6 patients. Normal head coverage was present in 40 while in 10 hips head of femur was lateralized ≥ 4 mm. No external obstruction to reduction was encountered. In 44 cases reduction was concentric and eccentric reduction was noted in 6 patients. Conclusion: Arthrography is of special help in assessing the reduction of hip in DDH as it provides information about shape of head of femur, shape of acetabulum, labrum, ligamentum teres, containment of the hip, coverage of head and external obstacles to reduction.