Family history in developmental dysplasia of the hip: should we follow-up?
Methods: A total of 205 children with a positive family history for DDH are included. US examinations are performed according to Graf’s method. We have evaluated direct radiographs by using Hilgenreiner, Perkin, and Shenton lines, acetabular angle.
Results: Initial US examinations are performed at a median age of 8.3 weeks. Seventy-four patients (36%) had a repeat ultrasound scan at a median age of 7 months; none of them demonstrated abnormal findings. One hundred and thirty-one patients (63.9%) had control radiographs at a median age of 8.2 months. Shenton line is considered as normal, and the upper femoral epiphysis is located in inferomedial quadrant according to Hilgenreiner and Perkin lines.
Conclusions: A positive family history for DDH may be a less important reason for performing control US or radiographic examination. Patients with a normal screening US result and having risk factors can be discharged from follow up safely, so that unnecessary examinations and family anxiety will be reduced.
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Article Information
- Article Type Research Article
- Submitted February 21, 2026
- Published November 3, 2019
- Issue Vol. 5 No. 6 (2019)
- Section Research Article