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.