Does Swaddling Influence Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

Abstract

Straight-leg swaddling was demonstrated to increase the prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in this animal model, especially if the swaddling was early or prolonged. The severity of hip impairment varied, with early and prolonged swaddling both leading to more dislocations than subluxations. Sex differences also existed but a side preference was not observed. Appositional growth of acetabular cartilage and a deformed triradiate cartilage complex were the pathological basis of the hip dysplasia in this animal model.