Risk factors for DDH - Outcomes at 2 or more years

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Derivation and internal validation of a clinical decision rule to predict in newborns clinically important hip dysplasia at a minimum age of two years

  • IRAS ID

    148159

  • Contact name

    Andreas Roposch

  • Contact email

    a.roposch@ucl.ac.uk

  • Research summary

    The research will identify which characteristics associated with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in babies less than 13 weeks of age predict hip abnormalities at two or more years. This will help doctors to manage all babies presenting with a possible diagnosis of DDH as to their individual needs. DDH is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the newborn. Up to 40-60 per 1000 babies might have some form of mild abnormality, but the need for diagnosis and treatment is variable because the hips can re-model in the first 1-2 years of life.
    Untreated hips typically do not cause symptoms early on in childhood but can cause osteoarthritis in early adult life. Recruitment for the study will be from those who were the subject of a 2010 study which investigated risk factors for DDH. The parents had agreed to be approached for this followup study. We will invite them to return for a clinic appointment by sending a letter and information leaflet, followed by a phone call by a nurse. At the clinic the children will have a low dose x-ray of the hips. The results will be reported to the parents and an orthopaedic assessment given if necessary. 2220 participants will be asked for return to hospital for a study
    assessment. All the x-rays will be evaluated electronically without any reference to clinical symptoms and risk factors. The study will have a parent reference group which will feed into the steering group which has a lay representative/co-applicant. The results will be disseminated through the Royal Colleges and Professional Groups and relevant charities and parent groups such as STEPS. They will feed into policy through the NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Programme (NIPE).

  • REC name

    London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    14/LO/0420

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 May 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion