Shehla Khatoon, Sikandar Hayat, Farah Deeba, Ronaq Zaman


4038



ABSTRACT

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a frequent cause of abnormal gait in children, particularly in regions where neonatal screening programs are limited. Although radiological correction of hip alignment can be achieved surgically, functional gait recovery depends on restoration of lower limb and trunk biomechanics. Objective evaluation of angle parameters during gait provides valuable insight into postoperative functional improvement.

Objective: To evaluate changes in trunk tilt, pelvic drop, knee valgus, and hip adduction angle parameters in children with DDH before and after surgical correction using instrumented gait analysis.

Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted from March 2018 to March 2019 at Khyber Teaching Hospital and the Pakistan Institute of Prosthetics and Orthotics (PIPOS) gait laboratory, Peshawar. Twenty children aged 4–8 years with neglected DDH (Tönnis grades II–IV) were included. Two-dimensional gait analysis was performed preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Angle parameters were quantified using motion capture software. Pre- and postoperative values were compared using paired statistical analysis.

Results: Significant postoperative improvements were observed in all measured parameters. Trunk tilt improved from 4.6° ± 4.5° to 6.5° ± 2.4° (p = 0.021), pelvic drop decreased from 13.7° ± 24.5° to 8.29° ± 4.89° (p = 0.008), hip adduction improved from 9.4° ± 6.1° to 11.9° ± 5.54° (p = 0.014), and knee valgus significantly decreased from 26.6° ± 62.3° to 8.94° ± 6.9° (p = 0.003). Improvements in hip and knee parameters correlated strongly with normalization of trunk and pelvic alignment.

Conclusion: Lower limb and trunk angle parameters provide objective indicators of functional gait recovery following DDH surgery. Surgical realignment significantly improves biomechanical gait efficiency, emphasizing the value of integrating gait analysis and structured physiotherapy in postoperative management.

Keywords: Developmental dysplasia of the hip; Gait analysis; Trunk tilt; Pelvic drop; Knee valgus; Hip adduction.



Copyright © Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences 2026. All rights reserved!