Late Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip That Was Sonographically Determined to Be Stable at First Examination: A Case Report.

Abstract

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common skeletal dysplasia in childhood1. If the diagnosis of DDH is not determined during the first months of life and therefore is left untreated, it can lead to permanent deformities and osteoarthritis in later years2. In infants, hips that are clinically and sonographically stable just after birth should develop normally as long as their evolution is not disrupted by neurologic, septic, or traumatic reasons. In the first six months after birth, ultrasonography of the hip is the most valuable method to diagnose DDH. Early diagnosis of DDH with sonographic screening programs and early treatment have reduced the rate of late-developing dysplasia1,2. This case report describes a patient who was assessed for DDH when she was eight weeks old. At that time, the hips were found to be clinically and sonographically stable. However, DDH was evident six months later. The patient’s parents were informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they provided consent. A six-month-old baby girl was admitted to our clinic because of limited range of motion in the left hip. During the physical examination, skinfold asymmetry and limited abduction of the left hip …