Developmental dysplasia of the hip in preterm breech infants

Background Whether preterm infants born with breech presentation are at similar risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) as the term breech infants is not known. The information will be vital for DDH screening guidelines. Methods A retrospective audit of infants born in the breech position was performed to compare the incidence of DDH in the following gestational age groups: 23-27, 28-31, 32-36 and >= 37 weeks. Results A total of 1144 neonates were included in the study. The incidence of DDH did not differ between the groups (11.6%, 9.4%, 13.6% and 11.5%, in 23-27, 28-31, 32-36 and >= 37 weeks, respectively, p=0.40). Sixty infants required intervention for DDH. Multiple logistic regression after correcting for potential confounders showed that gestational age group did not influence the risk of DDH, and requirement of therapy. Conclusion Preterm infants born with breech presentation appear to have a similar incidence of DDH to term breech infants.