Patients with hip dysplasia

Patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) are particularly challenging for surgeons performing total hip arthroscopy (THA). Not only is this group more prone to complications, but surgically addressing structural abnormalities can result in significant lengthening of the femur during THA. Restoring equal leg length to obtain functionality is possible and several surgical techniques have been successful.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a misalignment or deformation (congenital or developmental) of the hip joint [1]. Women are eight times more likely than men to have the condition and it is the most common source of hip osteoarthritis in women younger than 40 years old [2]. Clinical severity ranges from barely detectable to frank dislocation, and can occur bi- or unilaterally [3]. Incidence rates have been estimated to be around 5 per 1,000 hips [4]. It is also a risk factor for the development of hip osteoarthritis [5].

Classification of dysplastic hips

There are two accepted reliable classification systems [6] for dysplastic hips: Crowe [7] and Hartofilakidis [8]. Eftekhar and Kerboul classifications were found to not be as reliable by Brunner et al [9].