Hip Ultrasound Screening Research Articles

Universal screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in Austria: what have we learned?

Hip ultrasound, according to Graf, is a standardized sonographic method for the detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) during the neonatal period. Graf established his method during the 1980s in his home country Austria. It was implemented in the Austrian Mother-Child Health Passport in 1992. Since then it served as a general screening method. The aim of this paper is to present the effects of general hip ultrasound screening in Austria by reviewing and analysing the literature of Austrian authors. This article described how the method was further developed and which prerequisites are currently required for a correct diagnosis. Moreover, it reports about the education in ultrasound screening according to Graf in Austria.

Developing an Educational Program for Ultrasound Hip Screening during Newborn and Infant Home Visits: A Protocol Paper.

Ultrasound hip screening is suitable for the early identification of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Newborn and infant home visits are good opportunities for hip screening in the community, but studies focusing on nurse-led screenings are lacking. Based on a pre-post design, this study aims to develop and evaluate an ultrasound training program to improve nurses' assessment skills in detecting DDH cases during newborn and infant home visits. Said educational program will include e-learning, hands-on seminars, and clinical training. The primary outcome will be the success rate of imaging standard planes (standardized images for hip assessment) in clinical training. The secondary outcomes will include knowledge test results, objective structured clinical examination scores, time required for imaging, and inter-rater reliability between nurses and physicians. The educational program will address the issue of missed and late detection of DDH cases in resource-limited communities. This study will demonstrate the feasibility of procedures and the effectiveness of the educational program in 2024. The protocol was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry before starting the study (no. UMIN000051929, 16 August 2023).

Comparison of quality and interpretation of newborn ultrasound screening examinations for developmental dysplasia of the hip by basically trained nurses and junior physicians with no previous ultrasound experience.

We are obliged to give babies the chance to profit from a nationwide screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip in very rural areas of Mongolia, where trained physicians are scarce. This study aimed to compare the quality and interpretation of hip ultrasound screening examinations performed by nurses and junior physicians. A group of 6 nurses and 6 junior physician volunteers with no previous ultrasound experience underwent Graf's standard training in hands-on practice. Newborns were examined before discharge from the hospital, according to the national guideline. Two standard documentation images of each hip were saved digitally. The groups were compared on the proportion of good quality of sonograms and correct interpretation. Two Swiss supervisors' agreed diagnosis according to Graf was considered the final reference for the study purposes. A total of 201 newborns (402 hips or 804 sonograms) were examined in the study, with a mean age of 1.3±0.8 days at examination. Junior physicians examined 100 newborns (200 hips or 400 sonograms), while nurses examined 101 newborns (202 hips or 404 sonograms). The study subjects of the two groups were well balanced for the distribution of baseline characteristics. The study observed no statistically significant difference in the quality of Graf's standard plane images between the providers. Eventually, 92.0% (92) of the physician group and 89.1% (90) of the nurse group were correctly diagnosed as "Group A" (Graf's Type 1 hip) or "Non-Group A" hips (p = 0.484). The most common errors among the groups were a missing lower limb, wrong measurement lines, and technical problems. Our study provides evidence that while there might be a trend of slightly more technical mistakes in the nurse group, the overall diagnosis accuracy is similar to junior physicians after receiving standard training in Graf's hip ultrasound method. However, after basic training, regular quality control is a must and all participants should receive refresher trainings. More specifically, nurses need training in the identification of anatomical structures.

Community-Based Hip Screening for Up to Four-Month-Old Infants and Health Guidance for Their Caregivers in Japan: A Nation-Wide Survey.

Early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children is crucial. Due to COVID-19, maternal and child health services have been suspended temporarily, increasing the risk of late detection of DDH. This study aimed to reveal Japan's current situation regarding community hip screening for newborns and infants and to provide health guidance for caregivers regarding DDH. A web-based, nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and March 2023 (n = 1737). One public health nurse overseeing maternal and child health per municipality responded to the 2022 municipality hip screening system. Among the 436 municipalities that responded (response rate: 25.1%), 97.5% implemented hip screening within 4 months, and approximately 60% performed it during newborn home visits, while only 2.3% conducted hip ultrasound screening. Perfect checking of the risk factors for DDH during newborn home visits and training opportunities for home visitors must be improved. Educational programs regarding DDH for home visitors and caregivers are needed to prevent the late diagnosis of DDH. Furthermore, collaboration between pediatric orthopedic surgeons and nurses is crucial for developing effective community-based hip-screening systems by bridging the evidence and practice gap in the early detection of DDH.

Risk factors for misdiagnosis in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip: a retrospective single centre study

ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors of misdiagnosis at the first visit of children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who did not participate in hip ultrasound screening.MethodsA retrospective review was...

Factors for selective ultrasound screening in newborns with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Hip ultrasound screening for DDH provides better sensitivity compared to physical examination. Due to a lower prevalence and limited resources, selective hip ultrasound in newborns at risk could be considered a proper screening protocol in Thailand and Asian countries. This study was aimed to evaluate risk factors and define criteria for selective screening. A case-control study was conducted in 2020. All newborns with hip ultrasound screening were included. Cases were defined as newborns with abnormal hip ultrasounds, while controls were those with normal studies. Inter and intra-rater reliability were evaluated. All factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The model performance was tested by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit. Internal validity was performed by the split data method. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was estimated. Ninety-five newborns (29 cases and 66 controls) were included. Eighty percent of cases and 58% of controls were female. The gestational age was 36.6 and 37.7 weeks in case and control, respectively. Female, breech presentation, positive Ortolani test, positive Barlow test, and limited hip abduction were significant factors with odds ratio of 2.82, 5.12, 34.21, 69.64, and 5.48, respectively. The final model included breech presentation, positive Ortolani test, and positive Barlow test. The model cut-off value 15.02 provided sensitivity (93.10%) and specificity were (80.30%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.9308. The split data remained significant internal validity for all factors with p-value < 0.05. Careful history taking and physical examination are essential to identify the risk factors for DDH. Newborns with breech presentation, positive Ortolani test and positive Barlow test should be screened by hip ultrasound.

Status quo of screening for hip dysplasia

Since the first description of the ultrasound examination of the infant hip by Graf in 1980 this technique has impressively demonstrated that it lives up to its promise very well. In the implementation of hip ultrasound in the German pediatric guidelines it was hoped that it would improve the sensitivity and specificity of the early detection of dislocated and dysplastic joints in comparison to ageneral clinical hip screening. Furthermore, it has been repeatedly shown that general newborn hip ultrasound screening according to Graf can significantly reduce not only the treatment rate but also the invasiveness. Consequentially, the cost of treatment as well as the rate of late presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can also be significantly reduced. Despite those proven merits the meaningfulness of general hip ultrasound screening in infancy is still questioned, especially in the Anglo-American world. This article reviews how this misconception came about.

S2k-Guideline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in the Neonate.

Hip developmental disorders are the most common musculoskeletal disease in newborns in Central Europe. The definition of hip developmental disorder includes both dysplastic and dislocated joints. In a dysplastic joint, shearing forces induce a growing disorder in the acetabulum. If this growing disorder persists, the femoral head first displaces the acetabular cartilage cranially and finally the femoral head dislocates posteriorly into the gluteal fossa - progressively losing contact to the acetabulum. Therefore nowadays there is general support for the concept of a developmental instead of a congenital dislocation of the hip. From the first day of life, the different stages of hip developmental disorder be exactly classified by an ultrasound examination of the infant hip joint according to Graf. Therefore the Graf hip ultrasound examination has been an integral part of the paediatric guidelines in Germany since 1996. All newborns must receive Graf hip ultrasound screening examination, ideally at the age of 4-5 (maximal 8) weeks as part of the U3 screening examination. Newborns with historical or clinical risk factors must receive an ultrasound examination in the first week of life, additionally to the clinical examination of the hip joints of all newborns according to the second screening examination U2. In the case of pathological results, therapy should be initiated according to measured hip type within one week. Dislocated joints need reduction and as soon as the contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum has been restored, the head should be retained securely within the acetabulum. This phase of retention is followed by the maturation phase for dislocated joints, which is also sufficient therapy for dysplastic joints. In order to avoid femoral head necrosis as an early complication or as a new hip developmental disorder in the course of further growth, the femoral head during the retention phase and the maturation phase should be placed deeply into the socket. This can be achieved by retaining hip flexion of 100-110° with simultaneous hip abduction of 50° to a maximum of 60°.

Radiographic Follow-up After Normal Ultrasound Screening of the Hip in Breech Infants.

Breech presentation is one of the most important risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip, and all breech infants should be screened. The necessity of further follow-up of developmental dysplasia of the hip after normal clinical and sonographic screening is a controversial subject. The purpose of this study to identify the incidence of delayed dysplasia in breech infants after normal ultrasound screening and the necessity of further clinical and radiologic follow-up in these patients. We included the 292 breech babies (128 boys and 164 girls) who showed normal hip ultrasound screening results. To determine the incidence of delayed radiographic dysplasia, anteroposterior hip radiographs were taken between 12 and 24 months of age to measure the acetabular index (AI). The mean AI values were 22.8±3.4 in boys and 24.9±3.1 in girls. Applying the Tönnis criteria, 29 patients (9.9%) were considered to have delayed radiographic dysplasia (16 boys and 13 girls). No significant difference was found in any demographic variables between babies with and without delayed radiographic dysplasia. None of these 29 infants underwent any treatment for radiographic dysplasia. Applying Kuong's criteria to 292 infants, only 2 patients (0.7%) demonstrated radiographic dysplasia on the hip anteroposterior radiographs taken at 14 months. The incidence of radiographic dysplasia significantly varied depending on which criteria were applied. In order to find out more accurate incidence rates of delayed radiographic dysplasia, large-scale studies of the normative AI data for Korean infants are required. Prognostic Level III.

Developmental hip dysplasia and hip ultrasound frequency in a large American payer database

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is an important contributor to musculoskeletal morbidity, but effective strategies to screen for DDH remain controversial. The current utilization of hip ultrasound (US) screening for DDH in the United States is not defined. This study utilized Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart, a large commercial and Medicare Advantage claims database. The frequency of DDH and hip US utilization was estimated using billing data on an average of 2.9 million relevant beneficiaries included annually from 2007 through 2017. A total of 6806 DDH cases were identified with an average annual prevalence of 1.7 per 1000 infants, which was stable during the study period. Girls were more likely to be screened and diagnosed with DDH, comprising 72% of DDH cases with an OR of 2.55 (95% CI 2.42–2.69), p < 0.001. Hip US screening was employed in 0.9% of the infant population on average but increased substantially from 2007 (0.4%) to 2017 (2.2%). Most common billing diagnoses included hip deformity (27.4%), breech delivery (20.4%), and physical exam abnormality (17.7%). The average imaging costs per patient for all screened children was $108.94. Insurance claims reflect the current American practice of selective hip US with relative adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines based on reported diagnoses. While hip US utilization increased during the study period, prevalence of DDH diagnoses did not increase. Our results suggest that expansion of hip US screening may not effectively increase DDH detection although further investigation is needed to ascertain optimal screening strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Implementation of a nationwide universal ultrasound screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the neonatal hip in Mongolia.

PurposeMongolia is the first Asian country to launch universal ultrasound screening for newborns with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The aims of this study were to determine the coverage and treatment rate of this programme.MethodsData from birth statistics and ultrasound hip screening from 29 hospitals were retrospectively reviewed (2010 to 2016, pre-nationwide phase; and 2017 to 2019, nationwide programme). DDH was diagnosed using the Graf-technique and treated according to ‘ABCD’, a modified Graf classification (Group A: Graf Type 1, mature; B: 2a, physiologically immature; C: 2c to 3, early DDH; D: 4, dislocated). Group B children were followed with monthly ultrasound. Group C and D children were treated with a flexion and abduction orthosis (Tübingen). Screeners used a web-based platform to upload images for quality surveillance.ResultsBetween 2017 and 2019, 230 079 live births were registered and 176 388 newborns screened. The nationwide screening coverage rate in newborns increased from 73.6% in 2017 to 82.1% in 2019. Group A (148 510 children, 84.2%) was discharged, while Group B (25 820, 14.6%) was followed. Among children in Group B, 284 cases worsened to Group C and were, therefore, treated with a Tübingen orthosis. The remaining 2058 (1.2%) of newborns with DDH were treated with a Tübingen orthosis, including 1999 newborns in Group C and 59 in Group D. Since 2017, a total of 142 860 (81.0%) hip sonograms were uploaded to the platform.ConclusionA simplified diagnostic and therapeutic framework for ultrasound DDH screening for newborns was successfully deployed in Mongolia, a developing country, providing high surveillance coverage and appropriate treatment.Level of evidence: IV

Hip dysplasia-new and proven methods

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common disorders in paediatric orthopedics. With the development of ultrasound techniques treatment has changed, and earlier diagnosis and treatment is possible. So, for more than 20years diagnosis and treatment has been focused on ultrasound. Many papers reporting new diagnostic techniques like MRI have been published. Arthroscopic reduction is anew surgical procedure. However, established surgical procedures continue to play an important role in the treatment. This paper presents new and established diagnostic techniques, conservative and surgical treatment options. Unfortunately, due to the great number of publications, not all aspects could be taken into account. In particular, we describe the diagnostic and treatment standards in German-speaking countries based on ultrasound hip screening. However, also international aspects of diagnostic and treatment options have been included.

Breastfeeding and Respiratory Infections in the First 6 Months of Life: A Case Control Study.

Background: Viral respiratory tract infections (VRI) are a major reason for hospitalization in children younger than 5 years. A case control study was conducted to investigate the potential role of breastfeeding in protecting children <1 year of age from VRI.Methods: Patients admitted for a respiratory tract infections routinely underwent a nasopharyngeal aspirate, which was tested with an RT-PCR for 14 respiratory viruses. Hospitalized infants positive for viruses were enrolled as cases; healthy controls were enrolled among patients admitted for ultrasound hip screening. The effect of breastfeeding on pertussis was investigated through multivariable analysis.Results: We enrolled a total of 496 patients: 238 cases and 258 healthy controls. Among cases, eighty-six patients (36.1%) had a rinovirus, 78 (32.8%) an RSV, 22 (9.2%) an adenovirus, and 37 (15.5%) a coinfections with multiple viruses. The number of households was significantly higher in cases (mean in cases 4.5; mean 3.7 in controls, p < 0.001) and the proportion of infants having siblings (79% in cases vs. 43% in controls, p < 0.001). Proportion of smoking mothers was higher in cases than in controls (21.4 vs. 10.1%, p = 0.001). Among cases 44.5% were exclusively breastfed at symptoms onset vs. 48.8% of healthy controls. According to the multivariable analysis, being exclusively breastfed at symptom onset was associated with a higher risk of viral respiratory infection (3.7; 95% CI 1.64–8.41), however a longer breastfeeding duration was protective (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97–0.99). Also having at least one sibling was associated to a higher risk (OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.14–5.92) as well as having a smoking mother (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.33–4.89).Conclusions: Breastfeeding remains a mainstay of prevention for numerous diseases and its protective role increases with duration. However, being breastfed when mothers carry a respiratory infection may increase the risk of transmission, acting as a proxy for closer contacts. In future studies, potential confounding variables as pattern of contacts with other individuals, should be taken into account.

The natural history of abnormal ultrasound findings in hips of infants under six months of age.

PurposeTo collect and describe data on the natural history of abnormal ultrasound (US) findings in hips of infants under six months of age to serve as a reference to the design of screening programmes and treatment algorithms in the care for children with hip dysplasia.MethodsA search in PubMed of the terms “DDH” and “ultrasound” was done to find hips with abnormal US findings that were not treated. In cases of multiple periods of follow-up, the classification of every period was evaluated separately (individual hip follow-up periods).ResultsData of 13 561 hips with 16 991 follow-up periods were collected and analyzed. Most quantifiable classifications and follow-up periods were according to Graf (14 876) and a minor number of the hips had follow-up periods with femoral head coverage (FHC) (2115). Normal development without treatment in the first six months was for Graf 2a between 89% and 98%, for Graf 2c between 80% and 100% and for clustered data Graf 2a to 2c between 80% and 97%. For Graf 3 hips more than 50% were reported to develop into normal hips without treatment. As for Graf 4 hips this percentage was reported below 50%. For children with an FHC less than 50%, normalization was reported between 78% and 100%.ConclusionThe natural history of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) shows a benign course, especially in the well-centered hips. This outcome probably contributes to the fact that all studies on US screening of hips for detection of relevant DDH in order to improve outcomes of treatment are rated as substantially underpowered.

Ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip after 4 weeks increases exam accuracy and decreases follow-up visits

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a preventable and treatable disorder in children. Hip ultrasound is recommended for early detection of affected hips. The timing of the initial hip ultrasound and the frequency of subsequent ultrasounds are controversial topics when considering costs and efficiency. Registry data from the Taiwanese Screening and Audit System for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip were obtained for biometry of hip ultrasounds using the Graf classification and relevant demographic data from 2016. Initial screening results and final case management outcomes were compared to determine screening accuracy and the number of visits needed to determine final outcomes. In total, we screened 1683 newborns in 2016. Of the initial cases screened within 28 days (n=1168), 86.6% were negative, 10.1% positive, and 3.3% intermediate, while of the cases screened after 28 days (n=515), 97.3% were negative, 0.8% positive, and 1.9% intermediate. Screening of the newborns' final hip outcomes revealed that 1641 (97.6%) were negative, treatment was administered in 8 cases (0.4%), and 34 (2.0%) cases were lost to follow-up. When comparing screening times, screening after 28 days improved specificity (89%-97%), and later screenings were associated with fewer visits needed to confirm hip outcomes (aOR=0.19, CI95%=0.10-0.38, p<0.001) and improved accuracy (aOR=13.84, CI95%=4.23-45.26, p<0.001). This study provides evidence of the benefits of screening for DDH after 28 days, namely: reduced false positives, improved screening accuracy, and a reduced requirement for follow-up visits. Delaying screening can also potentially reduce unnecessary parental anxiety, eliminate unnecessary healthcare burdens, and reduce costs. We recommend performing hip ultrasound screening for newborns after 28 days.

Investigating the Need for Routine Hip Ultrasound to Detect Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips In Babies Born with Breech Presentation

Abstract BACKGROUND: Breech presentation at birth increases the risk for developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH). However, international consensus with regards to screening guidelines for infants at increased risk of DDH is lacking. Kingston General Hospital (KGH), a Canadian tertiary care center, currently employs a DDH ultrasound screening protocol at 6 weeks of age for all infants born with breech presentation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the utility of routine ultrasound scanning in detecting DDH in patients born breech with a negative physical exam of the hips. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted in which electronic medical records at KGH were reviewed to identify infants born breech who received routine hip ultrasound screening for DDH between 2010 and 2015. Physical exam findings of the hips, ultrasound reports, and subsequent treatment modalities were extracted as well as gestational age, birth weight, and gender. RESULTS: 319 infants born with breech presentation who underwent routine hip ultrasound regardless of physical exam status were identified (192 (60.2%) female; 127 (39.8%) male). 27 (8.5%) had a negative physical exam but a positive finding on ultrasound. The gender distribution of this subset was significantly different than that of the total group (p CONCLUSION: For infants born with breech presentation with a negative physical exam of the hips, consideration could be given to direct routine ultrasound screening for DDH at females only.

Morphological and Functional Hip Long-Term Results after Exstrophy Repair.

Introduction Abnormalities of the bony pelvis in exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) and their possible relation to hip disease are well described. However, there is a lack of information about long-term orthopedic consequences and hip function in patients with EEC. Therefore, we investigated clinical and radiological results in an EEC patient cohort after long-term follow-up. Patients and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using standardized radiography, clinical investigation, and the Harris hip score. Seventeen postpuberty consecutive unselected EEC patients (3 female, 14 male; mean age 18.2 years) that presented to our clinic due to urological procedures or routine check-up from 2010 to 2011 were included. All had undergone symphysis approximation with a traction bandage without osteotomy in early childhood. Radiological analysis was conducted offline by two independent investigators. Results Radiological analysis showed a mean pubic diastasis of 5.1 cm (range 2.8-8.5 cm). Borderline hip dysplasia was present in four patients, one of them having had co-occurring developmental hip dysplasia in previous history. No severe dysplasia, subluxation, or luxation of the hip was found; however, one patient showed early hip arthrosis. Clinical examination revealed no relevant restriction of range of motion, although rotation and abduction were slightly altered in five patients. None of the EEC patients complained about pain or restriction in sports or daily activities. Harris hip score was perfect for all but one study participants. Conclusion Despite EEC-specific hip morphology, long-term hip function is not impaired in patients after symphyseal approximation without osteotomy in the newborn period. The symphysis diastasis after this procedure is comparable to available postosteotomy data. The large majority of EEC patients did not show dysplastic or degenerative hip disease. Functional hip score results confirmed reasonable age-related hip function in nearly all examined patients. However, postnatal ultrasound hip screening is recommended to prevent and adequately treat potential co-occurring developmental hip dysplasia.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Optimal Ultrasound Screening Strategy Among High Risk Newborns

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is becoming an attractive imaging modality for screening of high risk infants for DDH because of its advantages such as accessibility, low cost, rapid examination and ability to detect the soft tissues & cartilage which cannot be seen by conventional radiography. Hip ultrasonography has the ability not only to visualise the unossified parts of the newborn hip but also to show movement of the femoral head within the socket. Ultrsonographic screening of all newborns can identify cases at an earlier age and lead to earlier treatment and prevent complication. So we conclude that the hip ultrasound screening of high risk infants for developmental dysplasia of the hip is important for early diagnosis & treatment. The current study included 270 cases of high risk infants for DDH. Their ages ranged from 4weeks to 6 months. We found that the most prevalent risk factor for hip dislocation in our study was ceaserean section delivery followed by breech presentation and oligohydraminos. The mean value of Alpha angle of the right hip was high than that of the left hip, where mean values of Beta angle of left hip was high than that of right hip. Graf type degree Ia was the most frequent degree in the right & left hips followed by IIa in right hip and IIb in left hip. Caesarean section delivery was the most prevalent risk factor in Graf type degree Ia, IIa & Ib in the right hip and in Graf type degree Ia, IIa & IIb in the left hip. Clinical suspicion was more frequent in Graf type degree IIc. Positive family history & oligohydramnios were the most frequent risk factors in Graf type IIb in the right hip. Graf type Ia was the most frequent degree among both males & females in the studied group in the right and left hips. Among risk factors breech presentation and oligohydramnios were significantly higher in female infants than male infants while caesarean section was significantly higher in male infants than female infants. Normal degree of hip stability is the most frequent degree in the right and left hips by Harche dynamic technique.

Hüftsonographie in der Mongolei «Swiss Mongolian Pediatric Project»

To defect incidence of development hip dysplasia by hip ultrasound and to determine efficacy of early treatment: a pilot study in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. Until recently, in Mongolia, early detection and treatment of DDH (developmental dysplasia of the hip) in the first months of life was not possible. A high prevalence as well as a large number of false positive cases indicate an important burden of disease. Since 2009, a project based on ultrasound method of Reinhard Graf is being run by a swiss-mongolian cooperation. A large study including more than 8000 newborns proved, that trained neonatologists are well able to run an ultrasound hip screening. DDH can be detected in the first days after birth and early treatment with a flexion - abduction splint could not only prevent dislocation, but also ensure the maturation process.

Diagnostik und Therapie der Säuglingshüfte – sind sich die deutschsprachigen Kinderorthopäden einig?

Ultrasound examination of the neonatal hip has been an integral part of the German programme for the "early detection of disease in childhood" since 01.01.1996. The aim of this study is to determine if any consensus exists among German-speaking paediatric orthopaedic specialists concerning diagnosis and treatment of the neonatal hip 15 years after legal implementation of hip ultrasound screening by the Graf technique. A questionnaire was sent to all members of the German speaking Association of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons (Vereinigung für Kinderorthopädie - VKO). The query included questions concerning education and field of activity of the member as well as information on the diagnostics of neonatal hip with regard to examiner, technical equipment, and type of screening. In addition, four cases were presented with clinical history, clinical findings, and rateable Graf sonogram (case 1: 3 days old ♀, type D; case 2: 2 days old ♀, type IV; case 3: 4 weeks old ♀, type II a; case 4: 4 months old ♀, type III a) and a treatment recommendation was requested for each case. 78 of 179 contactable VKO members participated in this survey. 75.6 % of the participants are specialists with additional qualification in paediatric orthopaedic surgery. 68 % of the participants work in a hospital. As stated by 61.5 % of the participants the ultrasound examination of the neonatal hip is primarily done by orthopaedic surgeons. One participant stated that the examination is performed primarily by medical-technical assistants. The majority of participants use a 7.5-MHz linear transducer for ultrasound examination, a positioning device according to Graf and a foot switch as technical equipment. State-of-the-art equipment as recommended by Graf including in addition to the above mentioned an upright image display and a transducer guiding arm system is available to only 21.8 % of the participating VKO members. 23 of 50 participants stated that a general screening is performed at their institution where all newborns get an ultrasound examination within the first week of life regardless of medical history and clinical findings. Therapeutic recommendations for the first case (type D hip) were in 15.4 % wait and check by some colleagues, supplemented by double diapering. 56.4 % would use a flexion-abduction splint and 26.9 % would perform reduction with consecutive retention. To treat case 2 (type IV hip) 3.8 % of participants suggest a flexion-abduction splint and 88.5 % reduction and retention. Concerning the type of reduction the participants do not agree. Pavlik harness as well as closed reduction under anaesthesia or without anaesthesia is recommended. In case 3 (type II a hip) 67.9 % of the colleagues suggest to wait and check, some with supplementary double diapering. 25.6 % suggest a flexion-abduction splint. One colleague would prescribe a Pavlik harness. In case 4 (type III a hip) 14.1 % of the participants suggest a flexion-abduction splint, 80.8 % reduction and retention as described before with disagreement concerning the preferred type of reduction. On combining the therapeutic suggestions for all four cases, 66 % of the participants recommend a type of treatment that is concordant with Graf's guidelines. Despite the existence of clear recommendations the German-speaking paediatric orthopaedic surgeons are quite discordant concerning diagnostics and treatment of the neonatal hip. Uncertainty particularly concerning the evaluation of sonograms of physiologically immature and dysplastic-unstable hips bears the risk of overtreatment as well as of delayed diagnosis of hip dysplasia.