Which statement regarding the epidemiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip is correct?

• A The right hip is involved twice as often as the left
• B It is more common in males than females
• C It occurs equally in term and preterm infants
• D The left hip is involved far more often than the right ✓

Explanation

DDH affects the left hip in roughly two-thirds of unilateral cases, attributed to the common intrauterine position of the left leg adducted against the mother's sacrum. It is six times more frequent in girls, because female hormones increase ligamentous laxity. Breech presentation, firstborn status, oligohydramnios, and positive family history are established risk factors. Right-sided predominance and male predominance contradict standard texts.

Reference: Tachdjian's Pediatric Orthopaedics, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.