Early versus delayed hip reduction in the surgical treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation: a comparative study

Background Few studies focus on the treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation, and the safe interval time between injury and hip reduction remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcome of early and delayed hip reduction in the surgical treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation. Methods A total of 71 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. Based on the time to hip reduction, they were divided into early group (within 6 h after injury) and delayed group (between 6 and 12 h after injury). The two groups were compared in reference to hospital day, fracture healing time, the occurrence of complications and final functional outcome. The Thompson-Epstein criteria, modified Merle D’Aubigné and Postel scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and Medical Outcomes Short Form 12-item questionnaire score (SF-12) were used for final functional evaluation. Results The mean hospital stay and fracture healing time in the early group were significantly lower than those in the delayed group. The incidence of infection, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in the delayed group were higher than that in the early group. The early group had better functional outcomes in terms of Thompson-Epstein criteria, modified Merle D’Aubigné and Postel scores and physical component scale (PCS) than the delayed group. Conclusions For the treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation, the early and prompt hip reduction can effectively facilitate the fracture healing and patient rehabilitation, and obtain a better functional outcome.

To study the cost-effectiveness of clinical screening with ultrasonography (USG) of hip for diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in new borns

Aim: To study the cost-effectiveness of clinical screen with ultrasonography (USG) of hip for diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in new borns. Methods: Retrospective study (2018-20). Term new borns had (i) target scan at 6 weeks—family history of DDH or breech presentation—and (ii) early scan—abnormal clinical screen. Results: In all, 58 babies had USG scan. Five early scans (Graf’s classification; three Type IIA, one Type IIC and one Type IIIB] and 15 target scans (Type IIA) were reported abnormal. All Type IIA DDH had subsequent 12 weeks' scans normal. Babies with Type IIIB and IIC had hip reduction surgery at 6 and 16 months of age, respectively. At cost 200 INR/scan, total 147?200 INR was incurred against two possible hip replacements prevented. Conclusion: Universal clinical screen with USG of hip can aid in early diagnosis of DDH in newborns. Large population-based studies from developing countries need to look in its cost-effectiveness.

Early Versus Delayed Hip Reduction in Treating Femoral Head Fracture Combined With Posterior Hip Dislocation: A Comparative Study

Background: Few studies focus on the treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation, and the the safe interval time between injury and reduction still remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcome of early and delayed hip reduction in treating femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation. Methods: A total of 71 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. Based on the time to hip reduction, they were divided into early group (within 6 hours after injury) and delayed group (between 6 - 12 hours after injury). The two groups were compared in reference to hospital day, fracture healing time, the occurrence of complications and final functional outcome. The Thompson-Epstein criteria, modified merled’ Aubigne-Postel scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and Medical Outcomes Short Form 12-item questionnaire score (SF-12) were used for final functional evaluation.Results: The mean hospital day and fracture healing time in the early group were significantly lower than delayed group. The incidence of infection, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in the delayed group were higher than early group. The early group had better functional outcomes in term of Thompson-Epstein criteria, modified merled’ Aubigne-Postel scores and physical component scale (PCS) than delayed group. Conclusions: For the treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation, the early and prompt hip reduction can effectively facilitate the fracture healing and patient recovery as well as obtain better functional outcomes.

Assessment of irreducible aspects in developmental hip dysplasia by magnetic resonance imaging

We aimed to assess the diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for irreducible aspects preventing hip reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH). With pathological results or intraoperative findings as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 90.3% and 83.3% for the affected labrum, 92% and 83.3% for thickening of the round ligament, 90.0% and 91.3% for atrophy of the iliopsoas muscle, and 100% and 100% for fibrofatty pulvinar tissue and joint effusion, respectively. The MRI showed an extraordinary capability of detecting these irreducible factors and helped surgeon choose the appropriate treatment strategies.

Establishing reference values for the pubofemoral distance in normal infant medial hips by ultrasound

Background Measuring the pubofemoral distance (PFD) is important for evaluating the effectiveness of hip reduction in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, reference PFD values have not been established in normal infants. Purpose To investigate variations in PFD values measured in normal infant medial hips stratified by age, laterality, and gender. Material and Methods A total of 240 infants diagnosed with Graf type Ia and/or Graf type Ib hips by ultrasonography were stratified into eight age groups: 0–1 month; 1–2 months; 2–3 months; 3–4 months; 4–5 months; 5–6 months; 6–7 months; and 7–12 months. The bilateral medial hips were scanned with transinguinal ultrasound. The PFD was defined as the distance between the lateral edge of the superior ramus of pubic bone and the medial edge of the femoral head. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed. Results Among the 240 infants, there were 371 Graf type Ia hips and 109 Graf type Ib hips. Mean ± SD bilateral PFD values of eight groups were measured separately. There were no significant differences in mean PFD values for left or right hips (t = 0.946, P = 0.345) or mean bilateral PFD values in male and female infants (t = 1.445, P = 0.149). Mean PFD values increased linearly with age (left: r = 0.680, P < 0.0001; right: r = 0.682, P < 0.0001). Inter-observer reproducibility was excellent. Conclusion This study established reference PFD values from the medial hip in infants aged 0–12 months. PFD values increased with age, but were not significantly influenced by laterality or gender. These data provide detailed information that can support follow-up of infants treated for DDH.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: update of management

The term ‘developmental dysplasia of the hip’ (DDH) includes a wide spectrum of hip alterations: neonatal instability; acetabular dysplasia; hip subluxation; and true dislocation of the hip. DDH alters hip biomechanics, overloading the articular cartilage and leading to early osteoarthritis. DDH is the main cause of total hip replacement in young people (about 21% to 29%). Development of the acetabular cavity is determined by the presence of a concentrically reduced femoral head. Hip subluxation or dislocation in a child will cause an inadequate development of the acetabulum during the remaining growth. Clinical screening (instability manoeuvres) should be done universally as a part of the physical examination of the newborn. After two or three months of life, limited hip abduction is the most important clinical sign. Selective ultrasound screening should be performed in any child with abnormal physical examination or in those with high-risk factors (breech presentation and positive family history). Universal ultrasound screening has not demonstrated its utility in diminishing the incidence of late dysplasia. Almost 90% of patients with mild hip instability at birth are resolved spontaneously within the first eight weeks and 96% of pathologic changes observed in echography are resolved spontaneously within the first six weeks of life. However, an Ortolani-positive hip requires immediate treatment. When the hip is dislocated or subluxated, a concentric and stable reduction without forceful abduction needs to be obtained by closed or open means. Pavlik harness is usually the first line of treatment under the age of six months. Hip arthrogram is useful for guiding the decision of performing a closed or open reduction when needed. Acetabular dysplasia improves in the majority due to the stimulus provoked by hip reduction. The best parameter to predict persistent acetabular dysplasia at maturity is the evolution of the acetabular index. Pelvic or femoral osteotomies should be performed when residual acetabular dysplasia is present or in older children when a spontaneous correction after hip reduction is not expected. Avascular necrosis is the most serious complication and is related to: an excessive abduction of the hip; a force closed reduction when obstacles for reduction are present; a maintained dislocated hip within the harness or spica cast; and a surgical open reduction.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:548-556. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180019