Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Emma Fontz, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Emma Fontz
Faculty Mentor Name
Victor Huayamave
Abstract
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition that causes an infant’s hip to be easily displaced from the socket. Hip abnormalities cause the femoral head to be mechanically unstable within the acetabulum. Considering DDH affects 1 in 1000 infants, it is important to diagnose this issue as soon as possible. A physical examination is performed on neonatal babies from birth to three months old at each doctor's appointment. This exam uses the Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers to detect DDH by dislocating and relocating the femoral head in the acetabulum. Improper training of these two procedures can decrease the chances of detecting DDH, which can result in long term damage to the infant. Current medical trainers, including Laerdal Medical’s Hippy Baby, are commonly used to teach the Ortolani and Barlow Maneuvers to physicians and medical students. To improve previous models, a transparent section will be added along the pelvic region to allow the students to observe the dislocation and reduction. In addition, the current trainer presents a minimal jerk response, making it difficult to determine whether the hip has displaced from the socket. To increase the jerk sign, we plan to increase flexibility within the model by using a more elastic material for the femur and pelvis. The prototype trainer will demonstrate a mild case of DDH in both the left and right hip as well as allow for the Barlow and Ortolani test to be performed on the infant’s hips.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Ignite Grant
DDH Medical Trainer
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition that causes an infant’s hip to be easily displaced from the socket. Hip abnormalities cause the femoral head to be mechanically unstable within the acetabulum. Considering DDH affects 1 in 1000 infants, it is important to diagnose this issue as soon as possible. A physical examination is performed on neonatal babies from birth to three months old at each doctor's appointment. This exam uses the Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers to detect DDH by dislocating and relocating the femoral head in the acetabulum. Improper training of these two procedures can decrease the chances of detecting DDH, which can result in long term damage to the infant. Current medical trainers, including Laerdal Medical’s Hippy Baby, are commonly used to teach the Ortolani and Barlow Maneuvers to physicians and medical students. To improve previous models, a transparent section will be added along the pelvic region to allow the students to observe the dislocation and reduction. In addition, the current trainer presents a minimal jerk response, making it difficult to determine whether the hip has displaced from the socket. To increase the jerk sign, we plan to increase flexibility within the model by using a more elastic material for the femur and pelvis. The prototype trainer will demonstrate a mild case of DDH in both the left and right hip as well as allow for the Barlow and Ortolani test to be performed on the infant’s hips.