The Occurrence of Occult Acetabular Dysplasia in Relatives of Individuals With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

BACKGROUND:This study sought to determine the hip pathology of family members of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The authors evaluated 120 people from 19 families known to have at least 1 member with surgically treated DDH. Each individual’s functional outcome scores and pelvic radiographs were assessed for hip symptoms or pathology. METHODS:Using a genetic population database and a pediatric hospital patient population, 19 families with high rates of DDH were identified. All family members (n=120) underwent physical examination, radiographic assessment, and completion of outcome instruments [American Academy of Orthopedics (AAOS) Hip and Knee; Harris Hip Score (HHS); and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)]. RESULTS:The 120 subjects ranged from 1 to 84 years, 34 had orthopaedically treated DDH. Of the remaining 86 supposedly normal subjects, 23 (27%) had occult acetabular dysplasia (OAD) as defined by center edge angle (CEA)