Diagnosis and Management of Hip Dislocation in Patients with Kabuki Syndrome

Background: Kabuki syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinct dysmorphic facial features, growth deficiency, intellectual disabilities, unusual dermatoglyphic patterns, and skeletal abnormalities. The incidence of hip dislocation in Kabuki syndrome ranges from 18% to 62%. We reviewed the outcomes of management of hip dislocations in patients with Kabuki syndrome with special attention to the diagnostic processes for hip dislocation and Kabuki syndrome.

Methods: Among 30 patients with mutation-confirmed Kabuki syndrome, we selected six patients who had hip dislocations and reviewed their medical records and plain radiographs. The modes of presentation and diagnostic processes for both hip dislocations and Kabuki syndrome were investigated. The management and treatment outcomes of hip dislocations in patients with Kabuki syndrome were evaluated.

Results: The average age of patients at the time of diagnosis of hip dislocation was 7.7 months (range, 1 week to 22 months). None of the patients were diagnosed as having Kabuki syndrome at that time. Two patients were treated with a Pavlik harness; one, with closed reduction; two, with open reduction and later pelvic and/or femoral osteotomies; and one, with open reduction combined with pelvic osteotomy. The patients were followed up for 5.8 years on average (range, 2.0 to 10.5 years). The radiologic outcome was graded as Severin IA or IB for three patients who were older than 6 years at the latest follow-up (mean age, 9.9 years; range, 7.8 to 12.4 years). In the remaining three patients younger than 6 years (mean age, 3.8 years; range, 2.7 to 5.3 years), the lateral center edge angle was more than 15°. The clinical diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome was made during follow-up after hip dislocation treatment and confirmed by mutational analysis at a mean age of 4.7 years. The mean interval between the diagnosis of hip dislocation and Kabuki syndrome was 4.0 years.

Conclusions: The management of hip dislocation by conservative or surgical method showed successful results. Awareness of Kabuki syndrome could lead to an early diagnosis of this rare disease in patients with hip dislocation and allow for early detection of other underlying conditions and multidisciplinary management.