Irreducible developmental dysplasia of the hip due to acetabular roof cartilage hypertrophy. Diagnostic sonography in 15 hips.

INTRODUCTION

Irreducible developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in newborns is a rare entity. The different obstacles preventing reduction have been described in the literature.

HYPOTHESIS

A clinical form of DDH with hypertrophy of the cartilage of the acetabular roof (acetabular bulge) can be reliably identified on ultrasound and should probably be defined as a separate entity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the first time, the authors report their experience, a review of the literature and the radiographic description (ultrasound, arthrography MRI) of irreducible neonatal DDH due to hypertrophy of the cartilage of the acetabular roof (acetabular bulge) in 12 infants (15 hips).

RESULTS

Neonatal sonography seems to be sufficient to identify this specific clinical entity without any additional work-up. This sonographic sign could help determine the therapeutic strategy earlier in this severe and complex form of DDH.