Hip surveillance in Tasmanian children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk of hip subluxation. Over time, subluxation can lead to dislocation, deformity and pain. Hip surveillance in the form of an X-ray and clinical examination of this 'at risk group' can identify early subluxation. Early subluxation can be treated, preventing hip dislocation in many cases. Hip surveillance in CP commenced in Tasmania in 1992. Aims: To audit the hip surveillance data to date, perform a literature review to understand the emerging evidence for prevention and management of hip subluxation in CP and update hip surveillance guidelines. Methods: New guidelines were written and distributed, and an audit of the previous 12 years p..