Occlusal asymmetries in children with congenital hip dislocation

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been associated with other congenital postural deformities and associated with asymmetric features in the body. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between developmental DDH and malocclusions in preschool and school children. The subjects were 60 children (40 girls and 20 boys) born during 1997–2001 in Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District and having developmental DDH and treated by Von Rosen method. The control group consisted of 71 Finnish children (46 girls and 25 boys) matched by age and gender. Children participated the cross-sectional study at the age of 5–10 years; the mean age of the DDH children was 8.0 (SD 1.4) and controls 7.9 (SD 1.4) years. Dental examinations, intra-oral photographs, and clinical examination including growth measurements were carried out. The DDH children had significantly more lateral crossbites than controls (30/9.9 per cent; P < 0.003). Overall, 77.8 per cent of cases were unilateral crossbites and found more on the right side (50 per cent) compared to the left side (22.2 per cent). Girls had more crossbite compared to boys (77.8/22.2 per cent; odds ratio 2.53). Children with congenital hip dislocation are more predisposed to the asymmetric growth of occlusion and the development of crossbite. The genetic and environmental factors including intrauterine conditions in addition to the splint therapy may be possible influencing factors. This study will give additional information of the development of occlusal asymmetries and the multifactorial nature of the aetiology of lateral malocclusions.