Hip pain is more frequent in severe hip displacement: a population-based study of 77 children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess whether hip pain was associated with radiographic hip displacement (migration percentage, MP) in a population-based cohort of children with cerebral palsy. Seventy-seven children, mean age 9.5 (SD 1.6) years and Gross Motor Function Classification System level III-V, were assessed. Caregivers responded to the Child Health Questionnaire pain questions and located recurrent pain on a body map. Hip pain was reported in 22 children (29%) and 27 hips (18%). Hip pain was significantly more frequent in hips with MP more than or equal to 50%, in children with spastic quadriplegia, and in those with Gross Motor Function Classification System level V. We conclude that severe hip displacement with MP more than or equal to 50% was associated with hip pain, whereas slight or moderate subluxation did not influence the occurrence of such pain.