Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a neonatal condition with various causes. Neuromuscular dysplasia of the hip (NDH)
is a sequel of neuromuscular disease, and generally presents later in childhood than DDH. Some evidence, however, supports
a concept of a neuromuscular etiology of DDH: (1) a high prevalence of spinal dysraphism in DDH; and (2) abnormal sensory
evoked potentials in 31% of DDH patients. To explore this suggestion we ascertained the presence of neuromuscular disease
within a cohort of DDH patients, and asked whether the neuromuscular condition is the initial etiology of the dysplasia or
a coincidental finding. We retrospectively reviewed patients presenting with DDH. Only those with an initial diagnosis of
DDH and a subsequent diagnosis of a neuromuscular condition were assessed. Fifteen of 560 patients fulfilled the criteria,
however the presence of true DDH within this group was minimal, as several cases emerged as early presenting NDH. We therefore
believe it unlikely DDH has a substantial neurological etiology.
Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved or waived approval for the human protocol for this investigation
and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.