IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Case contributed by Mohammad A. ElBeialy
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Apparent shortening of the right lower limb.

Patient Data

Age: 6 months
Gender: Female
  • evidence of developmental dysplasia of the right hip joint (DDH) with relatively small-sized right capital femoral epiphysis and shallow right acetabulum as well as superolateral displacement of the femoral head; it is located lateral to Perkin's line (vertical through lateral acetabular margin; should bisect middle third femoral metaphysis) and superior to Hilgenreiner's line (Drawn through right and left triradiate cartilage)

  • increased right acetabular angle (more than 30 degrees)

  • disturbed right Shenton's line

  • normal left hip joint with normal acetabular angle, normal femoral head located medial to Perkin's line and inferior to Hilgenreiner's line as well as normal Shenton's line.

Annotated image

The dislocated femoral head lies superior and lateral to the intersection of the Hilgenreiner's and Perkin's lines. Note also the increased acetabular angle and disturbed Shenton's line on the left side.

Case Discussion

Putti's triad for developmental dysplasia of the hip includes:

  1. superolateral displacement of the proximal femur
  2. increase in acetabular angle
  3. small capital femoral epiphysis

Other findings may include shallow acetabulum with mild sclerosis as well as formation of a false acetabulum.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.