Genetic study on developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a developmental disorder of the hip joint that results in an abnormal socket of the femoral head, ranging from instability, subluxation and complete dislocation of the hip joint. DDH has a considerable genetic component.

DESIGN

We reviewed the recent progress on genetic study of DDH.

RESULTS

By linkage and case-control association studies, DDH loci have been identified with several susceptibility genes that involve in bone and joint biology; however, no unequivocal genes with global significance have been detected. The current problem of the association study in DDH is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

By advanced technologies and international collaboration, we need to find more susceptibility genes and bridge the gap between genetic evidence and molecular mechanisms.