Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate if the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) differs considering the geographical origin, clinical picture, or presence of risk factors in homogenous cohort of neonates born in Mediclinic Al Jowhara hospital, Al Ain, United Arab of Emirates (UAE). METHODS: Universal ultrasonography hips screening of the neonates in the maternity ward of Mediclinic Al Jowhara hospital, Al Ain, UAE, was carried out using the Graf method. The average age of the neonates was 3 days. Two groups were formed for comparison: I) the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) group (n=169, 47.7%), and II) the non-GCC group (n=185, 52.3%). RESULTS: The incidence of DDH was 1.7%. It was higher among neonates from the GCC region (2.9%) and significantly higher among girls from this region (6.3%). The incidence of immature hips (type IIa) was 9% and was similar regardless of origin or gender. CONCLUSION: Neonates from the GCC region, girls in particular, have a higher incidence of DDH. These results highlight the emergency to establish a national ultrasonography DDH screening program.