Does Universal Ultrasound Screening for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Add Value?

In a small case-control study, hip ultrasound imaging of newborns reduced the rate of orthopedic surgical procedures.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a congenital anomaly that can lead to substantial morbidity. Diagnosing DDH is an important goal of the newborn physical examination, yet controversies exist about whether hip ultrasound screening adds diagnostic value and even what therapies for DDH are optimal.

Researchers assessed whether Germany's policy, initiated in 1996, of adding hip ultrasound imaging to physical examination before age 7 weeks to aid in DDH diagnosis reduced the rate of subsequent orthopedic surgery. They compared rates of ultrasound screening in two groups: 446 children with DDH who underwent a first orthopedic procedure after age 9 months but before age 5 years (cases) and 1173 children from the same birth cohort who did…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)