Neonatal Hip Loading in Developmental Dysplasia: Finite Element Simulation of Proximal Femur Growth and Treatment

Abstract

Background: Abnormal prenatal hip joint loading can lead to compromised hip joint function. Early intervention is crucial for favorable outcomes.

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of treatment timing (initiation and duration) on cartilage growth and ossification in the proximal femur of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, a condition affecting newborns.

Methods: We used a mechanobiological model to simulate proximal femur growth during treatment durations of 3 months, 6 months, and a late-start treatment.

Results: The findings indicate that the timing of treatment initiation is crucial, while a longer treatment duration does not contribute to improved morphological development of the hip joint.

Conclusions: Mechanobiological models of growth can be used to develop treatments and therapies that correct loading conditions. Growing bone is particularly sensitive to loading conditions, and altered loading during growth can affect bone shape and functionality.

Keywords: Pavlik harness; bone growth; developmental dysplasia of the hip; finite element model; mechanobiology.