The Risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Premature Infants with Breech Presentation at Birth

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the probability of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in premature infants undergoing hip ultrasound (HUS) for breech presentation only, and for other indications. Methods: Retrospective study of infants born between 01/01/2009 and 12/31/2018 at <37 weeks gestation with HUS in the first year of life. We calculated risk differences and odds ratios of DDH by the indication of HUS. Results: From 2,397 infants analyzed, 89% underwent HUS for breech presentation only. The probability of DDH for infants undergoing HUS for breech only indication was 15 per 1,000 compared to 155 per 1,000 for infants undergoing HUS for other indications. The odds ratio of DDH diagnosis was 12.1 (95% CI: 7.5, 19.6) when the indication for HUS was not breech only relative to breech only. Conclusion: The risk of DDH in premature infants with breech presentation is low. Screening these infants with physical examination may be sufficient.