Strategy and focus areas
Our research strategy builds on previous studies of hip dysplasia with a focus on long-term follow-up and comprehensive data analysis. Our registry includes children and adults from metropolitan and regional Victoria, covering all age groups and treatment modalities (non-surgical and surgical).
We take a department-wide approach, involving orthopaedic surgeons, paediatricians, physiotherapists, orthotists, sonographers, midwives, nurses and clinical researchers. We also collaborate with international experts to enhance the global management of hip dysplasia and develop innovative programs that could lead to policy change and have a big impact on patients. Read more about VicHip research partnerships
For more information about our key focus areas, as well as our objectives and expected outcomes, please scroll below.
Key focus areas |
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Cause and risk factors
* Silent hip dysplasia can be hard to detect because there may be no obvious signs or symptoms. |
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Early diagnosis and treatment
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Shaping a future of healthier hips
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Key objectives and expected outcomes
Through our registry and research, we aim to:
- deepen our understanding: explore the natural history of hip dysplasia, and underlying cause and risk factors for late presentation and silent dysplasia
- refine clinical pathways and optimise management: identify the most effective management methods, standardise protocols and align practices
- improve screening: develop an evidence-based screening program and tools to risk-stratify hip dysplasia
- evaluate medical imaging quality, techniques and interpretation
- measure quality of care provided and its relation to patient outcomes
- identify influencing factors and explore socioeconomic, geographic and health factors that impact diagnosis and management
- collect detailed information and define the patient, dysplasia characteristics, healthcare provider, intention of treatment, devices used/brace choice and treatment duration to evaluate survival measures, clinical effectiveness, adverse events, patient-reported outcomes and resource utilisation
- reduce the burden on families and the health system by improving care and services
- address age-specific issues as the children in our study grow older.
By addressing these critical areas, we hope to significantly advance the field of hip dysplasia management and improve care and outcomes for patients and their families.
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs)
The patient's voice is critical for shared decision-making. It can help inform changes to the delivery of paediatric hip care in Victoria. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) ensure our research is robust and complements clinical assessments. They enable a more comprehensive understanding of the outcomes and effectiveness of healthcare quality.
VicHip registry participants will be asked on occasion to complete an optional PROM questionnaire. We collect these at set time points throughout the course of the patient’s medical care, such as developmental milestones or treatment phases. This allows real-time feedback to measure the patient’s health status or health-related quality of life, personal experience, treatment efficacy and the quality of care delivered.
Health economic evaluation
VicHip works collaboratively with the Health Economics Unit at the University of Melbourne to generate insights into the economic impact of hip dysplasia in Victoria.
Our study evaluates how a family's socioeconomic status and other circumstances impact the quality of life and health outcomes, as well as the financial burden on both the healthcare system and families. Factors such as the primary caregiver's employment status, ethnic background, age at childbirth and the number of children in the household are taken into consideration. Furthermore, we explore geographic factors like whether the family resides in an urban, rural or remote area. Understanding the cost and outcome implications associated with different socioeconomic and geographic groups will help in developing targeted strategies to manage hip dysplasia and address equity issues.
Have questions, feedback or want to get involved?
Please contact us
Proudly in partnership with
VicHip is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Medical Research Future Fund grant 2015989.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands on which we work and pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.