Altered biomechanical stimulation of the developing hip joint in presence of hip dysplasia risk factors.

ABSTRACT: Fetal kicking and movements generate biomechanical stimulation in the fetal skeleton, which is important for prenatal musculoskeletal development, particularly joint shape. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common joint shape abnormality at birth, with many risk factors for the condition being associated with restricted fetal movement. In this study, we investigate the biomechanics of fetal movements in such situations, namely fetal breech position, oligohydramnios and primiparity (firstborn pregnancy). We also investigate twin pregnancies, which are not at greater risk of DDH incidence, despite the more restricted intra-uterine environment. We track fetal movements for each of these situations using cine-MRI technology, quantify the kick and muscle forces, and character

SUBMITTER: Verbruggen SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6135936 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature