A recent report from Norway identified that 25% of all total hips in patients younger than 40 years of age were performed because of residual hip dysplasia. This was the most common reason for total hip replacement in young people. 92% of these cases had no detectable hip instability as infants.
Commentary:
- There is increasing awareness of the large number of teenagers and young adults who discover that they have hip dysplasia as a cause of their hip pain. Approximately 10% of all total hips in the USA are because of hip dysplasia.
- Norway has had an outstanding infant hip screening program in place for over 40 years. It is disappointing to learn that comprehensive screening has not eliminated hip dysplasia.
- There is mounting evidence that dysplasia can occur after birth and may not be easily identified by current examination methods.
- Improper tight swaddling has been identified as a definite risk factor for late hip dislocation and dysplasia.
- Please help the IHDI spread the word about healthy hip positioning for infants.
- It is possible that improved hip positioning for all children may help reduce the burden of arthritis caused by hip dysplasia.
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