Hip displacement in children with post-neonatal cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury: a systematic review.

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the prevalence, risk factors and timing of onset of hip displacement in children with a post-neonatal (PNN) brain injury with regards to hip surveillance recommendations.

Method: A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science was conducted on 22^nd February 2022. Studies were included if they reported presence of, and risk factors for, hip displacement in children with PNN brain injury. Data was extracted on patient characteristics, and analyzed in terms of risk factors of interest and timing of development of hip displacement.

Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 408 participants). All were cohort studies: five retrospective and one prospective. Rates of hip displacement ranged from 1% to 100%, and were higher in children with diffuse brain injury at an early age, who were non-ambulant and had spastic quadriplegia. Hip displacement and hip dislocation were first identified at one and three months respectively following PNN brain injury.

Interpretation: Evidence on hip displacement in children with PNN brain injury is sparse and low quality. Children who remain non-ambulant after diffuse PNN brain injury before five years of age appear most at risk of developing progressive hip displacement and earlier hip surveillance is recommended.