Involves dislocation or subluxation of the femoral head during the perinatal period which affects the subsequent development of the hip joint

Aetiology

• Congenital
• Poor positioning after birth
• Higher incidence in females (8:1)
• Breech presentations
• Family history
• Oliohydramnios
• First born
• Moulded baby (feet/neck/head/spine) e.g. twins

• 4kg

• Multiple pregnancy
• Left hip more commonly involved

Pathophysiology

• If left untreated the acetabulum is very shallow and in more severe cases a false acetabulum occurs proximal to the original one with a shortnened lower limb
• Severe arthritis due to reduced contact area can occur at a young age and gait / mobility may be severely affected

Clinical features

• Neonatal baby checks
• Selective US screening in Scotland
  • Breech
  • 1st degree family member
  • Moulded
• 6-8 week GP check