Management preferences of orthopedic surgeons in developmental dysplasia of the hip under 1 year of age in Türkiye: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment preferences of orthopedic surgeons in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) cases under the age of 1 in Turkiye with a higher incidence of DDH, estimated to be around 5-15 per 1000 live births. Methods: This was a nationwide cross-sectional survey. A link for the online survey, including 16 multiple-choice questions, was sent to the email group of the National Orthopedic Society. Results: Among 233 filled -out surveys, 211 met the inclusion criteria. Half of the participants had experience of 25 DDH cases per year. Over one-third used both anterior and medial approach open reduction, but a trend to anterior open reduction alone was more evident in surgeons treating >50 DDH cases per year. More experienced surgeons were more prone to check the intraoperative reduction with postoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnosis and treatment ages of DDH cases did not significantly change during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Conclusion: Management preferences of orthopedic surgeons in DDH before walking age primarily depend on the rate of pediatric patients in daily practice and the number of treated DDH cases per year.