Influence of hip dysplasia on the development of osteoarthritis of the hip

Background: It has been suggested that in some patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (OA), the disease occurs as a consequence of acetabular dysplasia or hip dysplasia (HD). Objective: To carry out a systematic review to investigate the association between acetabular dysplasia and hip OA. Methods: A database search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library was carried out, and articles that aimed at studying the relationship between HD and hip OA were identified. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using a standardised set of criteria, and a best evidence synthesis was used to summarise the results from the individual studies. Results: Five cohort studies and four case-control studies were included in this review. One cohort study had the correct design to answer the question and was considered to be a high quality study. This study reported a positive association between HD and hip OA. Overall, limited evidence was found for a positive association between HD and hip OA. Most studies included older people. In younger age groups the relation between HD and OA or hip complaints may be much higher. Conclusion: The evidence for the influence of HD on the occurrence of hip OA, at age 50 - 60 or older, is limited.