Parent satisfaction with early and delayed abduction splinting therapy of developmental hip dysplasia

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether treatment for mild hip dysplasia instigated in the newborn period was preferred over a delayed treatment by the parents, as delayed treatment for mild hip dysplasia detected in newborns is an acceptable medical policy.

Methods: During a study period of 16 months from 2010 to 2011, parents attending the paediatric radiology outpatient clinic at Haukeland University Hospital for a follow-up of their baby with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), were invited to fill in a questionnaire on parent satisfaction on information provided, and on follow-up and treatment given.

Results: A total of 91 parents were included, of which 66 (72.5%) had their babies treated from birth (group 1), while 25 (27.5%) had their child treated from 5 weeks onwards (group 2). Although parents in the delayed treatment group, in retrospect, were less satisfied with timing of the treatment than those in the early treatment group (p < 0.00), their general impression and total satisfaction did not differ (p = 0.29).

Conclusion: The overall parent satisfaction on follow-up and treatment did not differ according to whether treatment was instigated at birth or later in infancy.