A new classification of hip dysplasia was developed by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).
The IHDI Classification has been validated and was recently published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. The IHDI Classification grades severity from Grade 1 as the mildest type to Grade 4 as the most severe type of hip dislocation. There are other ways to classify hip dysplasia, but the IHDI Classification has been proven more reliable and more accurate than the older classification methods.
The value of any classification system is so that doctors can compare similar cases and identify treatments for mild cases that may be different from treatments for severe cases. Classification of types of hip dysplasia also allows comparisons between medical centers because some centers may have more of the mild cases while other centers may have more of the severe cases. This could lead to a false impression that results are better or worse at one center than another. However, comparing similar cases can identify those centers with the best results so we can learn from that experience.
With your financial help, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute supports detailed comparison of treatments and results at eight major pediatric medical centers around the world. This is only possible because of the internet and because of computerized data collection. The IHDI is using the latest technology to conduct this massive research project. Over the past three years the IHDI has recorded the largest number of newborn hip dislocations that have ever been identified. We are tracking these patients and carefully analyzing the differences in grade, treatment and outcome. It takes about 10 years for research to make meaningful discoveries that are reliable. However, the IHDI Classification is a big step in the right direction so doctors at IHDI and elsewhere can make meaningful comparisons.
Thank you for your support.
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