MSK: Hip Problems in Children Flashcards
What is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?
A congenital or acquired deformation of the hip joint.
This affects the development and stability of the acetabulum (hip socket) and proximal femur (thighbone)
This is a spectrum of disorders that includes mild dysplasia, subluxation, and dislocation of the hip.
When is DDH usually picked up?
Newborn exam.
Also at newborn baby check 6-8 weeks later.
Risk factors for DDH?
1) 1st degree FH
2) Born in breech presentation
3) Multiple pregnancy
4) Oligohydramnios
5) Incorrect swaddling techniques that restrict hip movement
How does oligohydramnios predipose to DDH?
Low levels of amniotic fluid can lead to increased intrauterine pressure, affecting hip development.
Clinical features of DDH?
1) Asymmetrical skin folds: uneven thigh or gluteal creases may indicate hip dysplasia or dislocation.
2) Leg length discrepancy
3) Limited hip abduction on one side
4) Significant bilateral restriction in abduction
5) Difference in the knee level when the hips are flexed
6) Clunking of the hips on special tests
What 2 special tests are used to check for DDH?
1) Ortolani test
2) Barlow test
Describe the Ortolani test
The baby is on their back with the hips and knees flexed.
Palms are placed on the baby’s knees with thumbs on the inner thigh and four fingers on the outer thigh.
Gentle pressure is used to abduct the hips and apply pressure behind the legs with the fingers to see if the hips will dislocate anteriorly
What is Barlow test?
Done with the baby on their back with the hips adducted and flexed at 90 degrees and knees bent at 90 degrees.
Gentle downward pressure is placed on knees through femur to see if the femoral head will dislocate posteriorly.
Clicking vs clunking in DDH exam?
Clicking - normal
Clunking - more likely to indicate DDH and requires an US
What is the investigation of choice in suspected DDH?
US of the hips
How can DDH present in older children and adolescents?
1) Gait abnormalities e.g. waddling gait, limping gait
2) Hip pain
3) Osteoarthritis (untreated cases)
Imaging investigation in children aged <4-6 months in DDH?
US
Imaging investigation in children aged >4-6 months in DDH?
Xrays
What is the goal of management of DDH?
To achieve and maintain a stable, concentric hip joint to facilitate normal development
In DDH, if the baby presents <6 months of age, what does 1st line treatment involve?
A Pavlik harness
What is a Pavlik harness?
A soft splint with the aim to hold the femoral head in the correct position to allow the hip socket (acetabulum) to develop a normal shape.
This harness keeps the baby’s hips flexed and abducted.
When is the Pavlik harness typically removed?
6-8 weeks later
Management of DDH if the harness fails or the diagnosis is made after 6 months of age?
Surgery
After surgery is performed, an hip spica cast is used to immobilises the hip for a prolonged period.
Name 6 hip problems in children
1) Development dysplasia of the hip
2) Transient synovitis (irritable hip)
3) Perthes disease
4) Slipped upper femoral epiphysis
5) Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
6) Septic arthritis
How may hip pain present in children?
Hip pain will present differently depending on the developmental age of the child. They may present with:
- Limp
- Refusal to use the affected leg
- Refusal to weight bear
- Inability to walk
- Pain
- Swollen or tender joint
What are the 3 common causes of hip pain in 0-4 year olds?
1) septic arthritis
2) DDH
3) transient sinovitis
What are the 3 common causes of hip pain in 5-10 year olds?
1) Septic arthritis
2) Transient synovitis
3) Perthes disease
What are the 3 common causes of hip pain in 10-16 year olds?
1) septic arthritis
2) slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
3) juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
What are some red flags for hip pain in children?
- Child under 3 years
- Fever
- Waking at night with pain –> malignancy
- Weight loss, anorexia, fever, night sweats & fatigue –> malignancy or infection
- Persistent pain
- Stiffness in the morning –> inflammatory joint disease
- Swollen or red joint –> infection or inflammatory joint disease
- Severe pain, agitation and anxiety –> evolving compartment syndrome
What are the 2 most common organisms causing septic arthritis in children?
1) Staph. aureus
2) Strep. pyogenes
Presentation of children with septic arthritis?
- fever
- joint pain
- swelling
- erythema & warmth
- limited range of movement
How is a diagnosis of septic arthritis made?
Joint aspiration & culture
What risk factors can predispose children to the development of septic arthritis?
1) Age: more prevalent among younger children, particularly those aged less than three years.
2) Pre-existing joint abnormalities e.g. DDH, JIA
3) Immunodeficiency
4) Recent joint trauma or surgery
5) Skin infections e.g. impetigo, cellulitis, abscesses
What age in children is septic arthritis most common?
<4 y/o
Mortality rate of septic arthritis in children?
Around 10%
Which organism can cause septic arthritis in sexually active teenagers?
Neisseria gonorrhoea (gonococcus)
What 3 joints does septic arthritis typically affect in children?
1) hip
2) knee
3) ankle
In some instances of septic arthritis, especially when the hip joint is involved, young children may present with pseudoparalysis.
What is this?
An apparent inability to move the affected limb secondary to pain rather than true paralysis.
What are 3 systemic manifestations of septic arthritis?
1) fever
2) malaise & irritability
3) lethargy
Mx of septic arthritis?
1) Aspirate joint prior to giving antibiotics where possible
2) Send the sample for gram staining, crystal microscopy, culture and antibiotic sensitivities
3) Start empirical IV antibiotics until the microbial sensitivities are known
4) Drainage of the affected joint if necessary
Complications of septic arthritis?
Osteomyelitis, sepsis, and joint destruction
What is transient synovitis also know as?
Irritable hip
What is irritable hip/transient synovitis?
A self-limiting inflammatory condition that affects the synovium within the hip joint.
It is caused by temporary (transient) irritation and inflammation in the synovial membrane of the joint (synovitis)
What is the most common cause of hip pain in children aged between 3-10 years old?
Transient synovitis
How is a diagnosis of transient synovitis made?
Diagnosis of exclusion - rule out serious pathologies e.g. septic arthritis.