Abstract

Rationale::In its most severe form, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common congenital malformations. Uncorrected developmental dysplasia of the hip is associated with long-term morbidity such as gait abnormalities, chronic pain, and degenerative arthritis.

Aims: (1) to identify the risks and predisposing factors involved in DDH (2) to define the incidence of the disease locally; (3) to emphasize the importance of ultrasonography in early diagnosis of DDH.

Methods and results:1021 newborns in the Neonatal Department of Valcea County Emergency Hospital were analyzed. The information contained in the observation sheets was collected and upon this, the ultrasound was performed accordingly to Graf’s classification. The following parameters were analyzed: sex, area of origin, gestational age, birthweight, type of delivery, parturition. Out of 1021 newborns, 27 had an abnormal ultrasound examination. 20 infants were diagnosed with DDH. Regarding the risk factors: cephalic delivery was associated with a lower risk/ the lowest of DDH (with p=0.045 for the right hip and p=0.001 for the left hip). Increased gestational age and increased birthweight were incriminating factors in the occurrence of DDH.

Discussion:Ultrasound imaging has become an accepted tool for accurately diagnosing DDH.