An Eastern Europe and Middle East multinational expert Delphi consensus study on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip before walking age.

Purpose: The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is higher in Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners. This study aimed to establish consensus among experts in this geographical area on the management of DDH before walking age.

Methods: Fourteen experienced orthopedic surgeons agreed to participate in a four-round online consensus panel by the Delphi method. The questionnaire included 31 statements concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DDH before walking age.

Results: Consensus was established for 26 (84%) of 31 statements. Hip ultrasonography is the proper diagnostic tool under six months in DDH; universal newborn hip screening between three and six weeks is necessary; positive family history, breech presentation, female gender, and postnatal swaddling are the most important risk factors; Ortolani, Barlow tests, and limitation of abduction are the most important clinical findings; Pavlik harness is the first bracing preference; some Graf type IIa hips and all Graf type IIb and worse hips need abduction bracing treatment; the uppermost age limit for closed and open reductions is 12 months and 12-24 months, respectively; anatomic reduction is essential in closed and open reductions, postoperative MRI or CT is not always indicated; anterior approach open reduction is better than medial approach open reduction; forceful reduction and extreme positioning of the hips (> 60° hip abduction) are the two significant risk factors for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study may be useful for clinicians because a practical reference, based on the opinions of the multinational expert panel, but may not be applicable to all settings is provided.