A three-phased mixed methods study. Phase 1 employed an open-question online survey that enabled people with AHD (aged ≥16 years) to describe features associated with their condition. Responses were thematically analysed. A Phase 2 survey used these themes to establish how common those features were. Phase 3 created a mnemonic that prompts clinicians to suspect AHD.
Ninety-eight respondents completed Phase 1 and sixty-two completed Phase 2. From the responses, five themes were identified: Demographic and Diagnostic Profile; Characteristics of Posture and Gait; Pain; Childhood Hip and Family History; and Hip Joint Characteristics. Within these themes, 19 common signs and symptoms were reported, represented by the ALPHA mnemonic. ALPHA describes a young age at onset of problems (Age), a limp (Limp), progressing pain (Pain), a history of childhood and family hip anomalies (History) as well as hip joint hypermobility and instability (Articulation).
The findings extend current understanding of AHD indicators. ALPHA alerts clinicians to suspect a diagnosis of AHD. ALPHA may facilitate timelier referral of patients for diagnostic X-Ray and appropriate treatment. Future studies should evaluate its clinical utility.
方法:三阶段混合方法研究。第一阶段采用了一项开放性在线调查,使AHD患者(年龄≥16岁)能够描述与他们的病情相关的特征。对反应进行了主题分析。第二阶段调查使用这些主题来确定这些功能的共同性。第3阶段创建了一个助记符,提示临床医生怀疑AHD。
结果:98名受访者完成了第一阶段,62名受访者完成了第二阶段。从回答中,确定了五个主题:人口统计学和诊断概况;姿势和步态特征;疼痛;儿童髋关节和家族史;和髋关节特征。在这些主题中,报告了19种常见的体征和症状,以阿尔法助记符为代表。ALPHA描述了问题发作时的年轻年龄(年龄),跛行,进行性疼痛(疼痛),童年和家庭髋关节异常(历史)以及髋关节过度活动和不稳定(关节)的历史。
结论:这些发现扩展了目前对AHD指标的理解。ALPHA提醒临床医生怀疑诊断为AHD。ALPHA可能有助于患者及时转诊以进行X线诊断和适当治疗。未来的研究应该评估其临床实用性。