Late presentation of developmental dysplasia of the hip.
BACKGROUND
A neonatal screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is ongoing in Cork. Despite early screening, infants continue to present at later ages with DDH. The impact of late diagnosis is significant. Established DDH causes significant morbidity and may have major medicolegal implications.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the reasons for the late presentation of DDH in the presence of a screening programme.


METHODS
In a retrospective study all cases of late DDH presenting from 1988 to 2000 were identified using inpatient database.


RESULTS
Forty-nine cases of DDH were diagnosed. The mean age of diagnosis was 14.8 months (range 6-47). Multiple risk factors were identified in four patients only. More than one risk factor was identified in 10 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite screening, children continue to present with late DDH. In this study, only 14 patients had multiple risk factors and only four patients had more than two risk factors, highlighting the low incidence of suspicion in this patient group.
Gul
R
R
Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Ireland. rehangul@hotmail.com
Coffey
J C
JC
Khayyat
G
G
McGuinness
A J
AJ
D005260:Female; D006618:Hip Dislocation, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
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