HIPSTER

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a relatively common condition encompassing a range of structural abnormalities in the developing hip, with a higher prevalence in girls [1, 2]. Untreated, DDH can lead to pain, abnormal gait, and delays in walking, as well as acetabular dysplasia and osteoarthritis in adults [2-4]. Definitive diagnosis of DDH typically requires imaging, with anteroposterior (AP) radiography as the preferred method [1, 5]. Although accurate and timely diagnosis are key, poor patient positioning remains a problem – especially in infants – and can affect calculations of the acetabular index and acetabular depth ratio used to diagnose DDH, thus lowering diagnostic accuracy and potentially impacting treatment [2, 5, 6].