Evaluation of reduction quality with magnetic resonance imaging after closed or open reduction of the hip in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Study analyses the usefulness of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after closed or open reduction in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We reviewed 20 consecutive MRI studies performed without sedation after spica cast placement in 16 patients with DDH. MRI evaluation was carried out within 24 hours after cast application. Both coronal and axial sequences are used to determine whether the femoral head is concentrically reduced, subluxed or frankly dislocated. Except in two cases where there were difficulties in assessing the concentric reduction of the hip due to the quality of radiographs, MRI examination confirmed subluxation of the hip on coronal and axial images in patients with DDH. Especially in the hips with unossified femoral head or if there is suspicion of reduction quality, MRI is a safe and reliable imaging modality.