Are Mid-Term Functional Outcomes Different in Unilateral and Bilateral Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip? a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Studies on developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) include risk factors associated with post-treatment complications, and functional assessments have generally been performed in adult DDH with surgery indications. To the best of our knowledge, mid-term patient-reported and performance-based functionality has not been examined conservatively treated patients. Objective: This cross-sectional study examined mid-term patient-reported and performance-based functional outcomes in DDH patients with hip abduction brace. Methods: Patients treated with a hip abduction brace from 2011 to 2018 were screened, and 72 eligible patients were invited. 35 volunteers were divided unilateral DDH group (n = 16, mean age: 7.06 ± 1.39) and bilateral DDH group (n = 19, mean age: 6.68 ± 1.11). Demographic, clinic, and radiologic data were recorded. Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), 10-m walk test (10MWT), double-leg vertical jump test, jump rope, and the STAR excursion balance test (SEBT) were assessed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 81.63 ± 17.08 months for the unilateral and 78.79 ± 12.25 months for the bilateral DDH group (p = 0.572). There was no significant difference between groups in LEFS (p = 0.333), double-leg vertical jump test (p = 0.908), 10MWT (p = 0.175), and jump rope scores (p = 0.886). In addition, there was no difference in dynamic balance (SEBT) between the affected and healthy sides in the unilateral DDH group and between both sides in the bilateral DDH group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: School-aged children with unilateral or bilateral DDH treated conservatively have similar mid-term outcomes in physical activities requiring bilateral lower extremity performance and dynamic balance, regardless of hip involvement. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd