Keywords

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip; DDH; Acoustic Transmission; Non-Invasive Diagnosis; Biomedical Acoustics; Hip Joint

Abstract

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition characterized by abnormal development and stability of the hip joint. In a healthy infant, the femoral head (ball) fits securely within the acetabulum (socket of the pelvis), allowing for proper joint function. In DDH, the relationship is disrupted, ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia to partial (subluxation) or complete dislocation of the femoral head. This condition represents a range of structural abnormalities that develop during early growth. The integrity of the hip joint is essential for physical mobility, and disruption of this structure can lead to significant functional impairment. DDH may result in long-term musculoskeletal complications if not identified early, including gait abnormalities and joint pain. Early detection is critical, particularly in infants when treatment is most effective and less invasive. Current diagnostic approaches primarily rely on physical examination techniques such as hip stability maneuvers, followed by imaging methods including ultrasound or radiography. However, these approaches may be limited by accessibility, cost, and operator dependency, highlighting the need for alternative diagnostic methods. This study explores a non-invasive method for assessing DDH using acoustic transmission measurements through the hip joint. Acoustic signals were transmitted through chicken specimens with progressive structural modifications, and the resulting signals were analyzed. Overall, greater joint disruption generally reduced transmission, while restoring mechanical contact partially improved signal transmission. These findings support the potential of acoustic measurements as a simple, non-invasive approach for future DDH screening.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Summer

Thesis Chair

Mansy, Hansen

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Thesis Discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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