Ultrasonographic changes of labrum morphology in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip: a preliminary report on 74 dysplastic and unstable hips.

The aim of the study was to verify the labrum's morphological changes in unstable and dysplastic hips during treatment. Between January 2013 and April 2015, 74 dysplastic hips were divided into type D (n=12), type III (n=40), and type IV (n=22). The labrum was evaluated on ultrasonography (US) for echogenicity and dimensions with interobserver/intraobserver tests: test 1 (US at diagnosis and control group), test 2 (US at diagnosis and 6 weeks post-treatment), and test 3 (US at diagnosis and at end of treatment). Statistical analysis was performed. The labrum was less echogenic in test 1 and more echogenic in test 3, and the labrum was smaller in test 1 and larger in test 3. The labrum undergoes statistically significant increase of echogenicity and dimensions after treatment, suggesting a stabilizing role. Level of Evidence: Level II, Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine.