Incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in Dubai

Objectives: To provide a database on the incidence of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) among newborns in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This is a retrospective study of babies born in Dubai Hospital, Dubai, UAE, suspected of having hip dysplasia. Their case records were studied., and the conclusions and treatment were analyzed. The study period was from January 2004 to December 2005, and the cases were followed up for a minimum period of one year and maximum period of 2 years. Results: Three thousand seven hundred and eighty-six babies were born in Dubai Hospital in the study period. One hundred and one had clinical suspicion of hip dysplasia. Twelve children among them had true dysplasia and one required surgery. Conclusion: Twenty-seven per 1000 newborns in Dubai had clinical suspicion of hip dysplasia. at birth. The incidence of radiologically confirmed cases of developmental dysplasia of hip was 3.17 per 1000 live births among UAE nationals in Dubai.