Clubfoot and developmental dysplasia of the hip: value of screening hip radiographs in children with clubfoot

J Pediatr Orthop. 2003 Jul-Aug;23(4):503-7.

Abstract

Clubfoot and hip dislocations are common conditions seen by pediatric orthopedists. In the evaluation of a child with clubfoot, most texts recommend a hip screening radiograph to rule out occult hip dysplasia. Between 1983 and 1998, 349 patients were treated for idiopathic clubfoot. Almost all feet required surgical correction. The average follow-up was 8.4 years. Of these patients, 127 had hip screening x-rays during their treatment of clubfoot. The remaining 222 patients were followed clinically for an average of 9.6 years. Of the 127 patients with hip screening x-rays, 1 was found to have hip dysplasia (0.8%). Of the 222 without hip screening x-rays, none developed signs or symptoms of hip pathology during their clinical follow-up period. The overall rate of hip dysplasia in the idiopathic clubfoot population in this series was less than 1.0%. Screening hip radiographs in the idiopathic clubfoot population are probably not warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clubfoot / complications*
  • Clubfoot / diagnostic imaging
  • Clubfoot / therapy
  • Female
  • Hip Dislocation, Congenital / complications*
  • Hip Dislocation, Congenital / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies