Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a common diagnosis in children that if untreated may lead to degeneration and arthritis of the hip joint at a young age. Ultrasound imaging is used to monitor progress of the developing hip joint during treatment. Initial data from our practice suggests that interim ultrasounds do not alter the course or outcome of treatment. Additionally, these ultrasounds add significant time to clinic visits and carry a substantial cost to the health care system. The goal of this study is to determine if limiting the number of ultrasounds during treatment results in the same outcomes while also evaluating the amount of time and money saved by omitting the ultrasounds.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
Ultrasound imaging will not be performed at the 2, 5 and 8 week clinic visits
Ultrasound imaging will be performed at all clinic visits
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Acetabular Index
Acetabular Index will be measured on a supine anteroposterior (AP) radiograph of the pelvis
Time frame: When patient reaches 1 year of age
International Hip Dysplasia Institute Score
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade will be measured from a radiograph of the pelvis. The score classifies hips into one of four groups based on the position of the proximal femoral metaphysis in relation to the acetabulum. The scores grade severity from Grade 1 as the mildest type to Grade 4 as the most severe type of hip dislocation.
Time frame: When patient reaches 1 year of age
Complication Rate
The frequency of complications between the treatment groups will be compared
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of two years
Health Care Costs
The difference in cost between the two treatment arms will be the cost of 3 diagnostic ultrasounds
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of two years
Hospital Appointment Duration
Calculating time between registering at Ultrasound and registering at the Orthopaedic clinic will provide a measurement of time savings in the limited ultrasound protocol group
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of two years
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