Are mid-term functional outcomes different in unilateral and bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Studies on developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) include risk factors associated with posttreatment complications, and functional assessments have generally been performed in adult DDH with surgery indications. To the best of our knowledge, mid-term patient-reported and performance-based functionality has not been examined conservatively treated patients. Objective: This cross-sectional study examined mid-term patient-reported and performance-based functional outcomes in DDH patients with hip abduction brace. Methods: Patients treated with a hip abduction brace from 2011 to 2018 were screened, and 72 eligible patients were invited. 35 volunteers were divided unilateral DDH group (n = 16, mean age: 7.06 +/- 1.39) and bilateral DDH group (n = 19, mean age: 6.68 +/- 1.11). Demographic, clinic, and radiologic data were recorded. Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), 10-m walk test (10MWT), double-leg vertical jump test, jump rope, and the STAR excursion balance test (SEBT) were assessed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 81.63 +/- 17.08 months for the unilateral and 78.79 +/- 12.25 months for the bilateral DDH group (p = 0.572). There was no significant difference between groups in LEFS (p = 0.333), double-leg vertical jump test (p = 0.908), 10MWT (p = 0.175), and jump rope scores (p = 0.886). In addition, there was no difference in dynamic balance (SEBT) between the affected and healthy sides in the unilateral DDH group and between both sides in the bilateral DDH group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: School-aged children with unilateral or bilateral DDH treated conservatively have similar mid-term outcomes in physical activities requiring bilateral lower extremity performance and dynamic balance, regardless of hip involvement.