Current knowledge on the genetic background of developmental dysplasia of the hip and the histomorphological status of the cartilage

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) represents a morphological abnormality characterized by the incongruity of femoral head and acetabulum. It ranges from mild dysplastic changes to complete dislocation. DDH has been associated with several hereditary and environmental risk factors, which could explain the incidence variability among different countries. Numerous genes may be involved in the disease etiology and progression. However, there are controversies in the literature regarding some of these genes. DDH-induced secondary osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by changes in the macromolecule content of the cartilage and the expression of cartilage degradation markers. In addition, it exhibits a pattern of specific histological changes, with several reported differences between primary and DDH-induced secondary OA. The articular cartilage of patients with DDH shows specific radiological characteristics, including changes visible already in infancy, but also at pre-arthritic stages, early stages of OA, and in fully developed DDH-induced secondary OA. Although DDH has been extensively researched in different disease stages, the etiology of the disorder still remains uncertain. This review focuses on the current knowledge on the histomorphological status of the cartilage and the genetic background of DDH.