Representatives from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute had an excellent exchange of information with pediatric orthopedic surgeons in Beijing, China. New concepts that are being developed in China include improved braces that are expected to have greater success than the Pavlik Harness and may be easier for parents to use. Also, miniaturized hip arthroscopy is being developed to perform arthroscopic assisted reduction for complex dislocated infant hips. There may also be opportunities for collaboration on some research projects that are being considered in both countries.
(Pictured above; First Row:4th from the left Jonathan Schoenecker, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Vanderbilt University, 5th from the left James R. Kasser, MD,Orthopaedic Surgeon-in-Chief at Boston Children’s Hospital, 4th from the right Charles T. Price, MD, IHDI Medical Director, 3rd from the right Perry Schoenecker, Professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics at St. Louis Shriner’s Hospital)
Dr. Price and Dr. Kasser (Surgeon-in-Chief at Boston Children’s Hospital) shared potential areas of research that need to be developed for prevention, early diagnosis, and improved treatments for hip dysplasia. This was organized by Xuemin Lu, MD of the The Jishuitan Hospital with representatives in attendance from almost every pediatric orthopedic program in China. Some Chinese faculty came from Western China that is almost as far from Beijing as Alaska is from Atlanta.
The first day consisted of case presentations and discussions of innovative concepts that have not been fully developed. This allowed active exchange of ideas and sharing of possible research opportunities in all areas of hip dysplasia research. Approximately 80 faculty members were included in this specialized session.
The following two days were conducted as an educational symposium for practicing pediatric orthopedic surgeons and for orthopedic residents in training. Approximately 150 registrants attended to learn the methods of treatment that are most widely used in the USA.
Those of us who were representing IHDI were truly impressed by the innovation, skill and knowledge of all of the surgeons who were present. Hip dysplasia is very common in China and these surgeons have experience beyond that of most orthopedic surgeons in the USA. It was an exciting and productive meeting that will undoubtedly stimulate IHDI members and those in attendance from China.
