Institute for Child Development

Incidence and risk factors of hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and pooled analysis

Gabriele Giuca, Ilaria Sanzarello, Daniela Alessia Marletta, Salvatore Calaciura, Matteo Nanni, Danilo Leonetti
J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2025 Jul 28;69:103141. eCollection 2025 Oct.

Background: Hip displacement and dislocation are among the most disabling musculoskeletal sequelae of cerebral palsy (CP) yet reported incidence and risk-factor estimates vary widely across studies. We undertook a systematic review and pooled analysis to quantify cumulative incidence across Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) strata and identify
reproducible clinical and radiographic predictors.

Methods: A protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025 1026860). MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched from inception to March 30, 2025. Eligible longitudinal studies enrolled ≥30 children with CP aged 2–18 years, provided ≥2 years' follow-up without confounding hip-directed intervention, and reported migration percentage
(MP) data or equivalent permitting derivation. Hip displacement and dislocation were harmonized as MP >30% and >50%, respectively. Study quality was appraised with ROBINS I. Proportions were stabilized with the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation and pooled in random-effects (REML) models; odds ratios (ORs) for candidate predictors were combined using
inverse-variance random-effects methods. Heterogeneity (I², τ²), prediction intervals, influence diagnostics, Hartung-Knapp sensitivity and Egger tests were performed. Certainty was graded with adapted GRADE.

Results: Nineteen studies met inclusion; nine natural-history cohorts (n = 1556; median follow-up 5.1 y) contributed extractable incidence data. The pooled cumulative incidence of hip displacement/dislocation was 38.2% (95% CI 31.7–45.1%; I² = 77%; prediction interval 6.0–53.8%). Incidence was 17.1% in ambulant children (GMFCS I–III) and 71.9% in non-ambulant
children (IV–V), yielding an OR 3.72 (95% CI 2.56–5.40) for non-ambulant vs ambulant groups. A baseline MP ≥30% quadrupled subsequent risk (OR 4.48, 95% CI 2.66–7.54; I² = 0%). Pelvic obliquity ≥10° was associated with increased risk in a single cohort (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.34–5.46) and should be regarded as suggestive pending replication. No consistent effects were found for s*x, gestational age or CP subtype.

Conclusions: Approximately four in ten children with CP, and more than two thirds of those in GMFCS IV–V, develop clinically important hip displacement without targeted intervention. GMFCS IV–V status and an early MP ≥30% are robust actionable triggers for intensifying hip surveillance to six-monthly radiography; pelvic obliquity ≥10° may further stratify risk but requires confirmation. Uniform MP thresholds, time-to-event analyses and reporting of modifiable exposures are needed in future multi-centeric cohorts to refine preventive care.

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Cerebral Palsy Genetic Research
In some instances, genetic defects are responsible for a child developing cerebral palsy. Scientists are attempting to identify how genetic factors may do this by collecting DNA samples from those with the condition and their family members.
Sophisticated screening techniques are used to evaluate the collected samples. Scientists can then search for links that might explain how cerebral palsy develops in individuals with specific genetic abnormalities.
A study from 2022 found that as many as 25% of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy had an underlying genetic condition or mutations. This kind of information will lead to better, more accurate diagnoses of CP and more tailored and effective treatments.[4]
White Matter Damage Research
Cerebral palsy is most commonly caused by damage to the white matter in the brain, specifically in the area surrounding the ventricles. This part of the brain is most commonly affected in children with cerebral palsy.
Researchers are working to develop effective strategies to prevent white matter brain damage. They are currently using mouse models and cell-based therapies to prevent the perinatal white matter damage that causes cerebral palsy.
One encouraging area of study is the use of therapeutic hypothermia to limit brain damage and its effects. The therapy involves lowering an infant’s core temperature. This seems to slow damage, and initial research indicates it can reduce disability in children at risk.

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