Ultrasound screening for hip dysplasia in newborns

Universal ultrasound screening and early treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a critical review

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal disease in infants, and delayed diagnosis can worsen the prognosis. Clinical evidence increasingly supports universal ultrasound (US) screening over selective US screening. The Graf method remains the most widely accepted US technique. Performing an US screening at one month of age seems appropriate as it allows for some hip maturity and early detection, thereby increasing the chances of a favorable outcome. This paper presents an approach to US findings based on the femoral head coverage method. Considering the long-term cost and psychosocial impact of missed DDH cases, universal ultrasound screening appears to be a cost-effective alternative.

Neonatal Ultrasound and Radiographic Markers of Hip Dysplasia in Young Adults

OBJECTIVES

To examine radiologic outcomes at skeletal maturity of sonographically normal, immature, mildly, and severely dysplastic newborn hips.

METHODS

During 1988 to 1990, 11 925 newborns were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial examining screening strategies for developmental hip dysplasia. In total, 4469 were invited to clinical and radiologic follow-up 18 years later, of which 1735 had received neonatal ultrasound. Radiographic markers for dysplasia in left adult hips included the center-edge (CE) angle.

RESULTS

At follow-up, 984 of 1735 (56.7%) with newborn ultrasound met, of which 966 (614 females) had valid radiographs and were thus included. For females, 34 (10.2%) and 1 (0.3%) of the 332 sonographically normal left neonatal hips were judged borderline (20°≤ CE <25°) or dysplastic (CE <20°) at skeletal maturity respectively. Corresponding numbers were 36 (19.7%) and 3 (1.6%) of the 183 immature, 12 (15.6%) and 2 (2.6%) of the 77 mildly dysplastic, and 3 (13.6%) and 3 (13.6%) of the 22 severely dysplastic neonatal left hips (P ≤ .001). In males, no associations were found. In females, adult joint hypermobility was associated with sonographic neonatal hip instability (P = .046), as well as with adult acetabular dysplasia (P = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant associations between neonatal hip phenotypes and adult dysplasia were revealed in females. This indicates the possibility of different mechanisms affecting the course of developmental dysplasia of the hip for females and males, prompting consideration of prolonged clinical and radiologic follow-up for females with dysplastic neonatal hips. Results in males are limited by low numbers of dysplastic hips. The significance of joint hypermobility warrants further investigation.

The incidence of late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip and its functional outcomes: a 17-year cohort study using selective ultrasound screening

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We aimed to establish the incidence of late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with a selective ultrasound (US) examination over 17 years using the femoral head coverage (FHC) as a US measurement. The secondary aim was to establish the everyday function using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The incidence of late-detected DDH was based on 60,844 children. Patients diagnosed for the first time after 3 months and before the age of 8 years were included. In the second part of the study, consent to participate was mandatory. PROMIS-25 Pediatric, PROMIS-25 Parent, and EQ-5D-5L were used according to the patient's age to assess everyday function.

RESULTS

The incidence of late-detected DDH was 0.48/1,000. The median age at diagnosis was 8 months (range 4-41 months), with a tendency to require repeated treatment with open surgery if DDH was diagnosed later. Most children reported no or minor health problems with a mean of 18 years' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

We found that selective US examination of the hips by measuring the FHC is a reliable method to examine newborns for DDH resulting in a low incidence of late-detected DDH amounting to 0.48/1,000 newborn children.

Universal screening may reduce the incidence of late diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip : a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

We investigated the prevalence of late developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), abduction bracing treatment, and surgical procedures performed following the implementation of universal ultrasound screening versus selective ultrasound screening programmes.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, OrthoSearch, and Web of Science from the date of inception of each database until 27 March 2022 was performed. The primary outcome of interest was the prevalence of late detection of DDH, diagnosed after three months. Secondary outcomes of interest were the prevalence of abduction bracing treatment and surgical procedures performed in childhood for dysplasia. Only studies describing the primary outcome of interest were included.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies were identified, of which 13 described universal screening and 20 described selective screening. Two studies described both. The prevalence of late DDH was 0.10 per 1,000 live births (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.39) in the universal screening group and 0.45 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 0.31 to 0.61) in the selective screening group. Abduction bracing treatment was performed on 55.54 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 24.46 to 98.15) in the universal screening group versus 0.48 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 0.07 to 1.13) in the selective screening group. Both the universal and selective screening groups had a similar prevalence of surgical procedures in childhood for dysplasia being performed (0.48 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.63) vs 0.49 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71) per 1,000 live births, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Universal screening showed a trend towards lower prevalence of late DDH compared to selective screening. However, it was also associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of abduction bracing without a significant reduction in the prevalence of surgical procedures in childhood for dysplasia being performed. High-quality studies comparing both treatment methods are required, in addition to studies into the natural history of missed DDH.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):198-208.

Children treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip at birth and with normal acetabular index at 1 year: How many had residual dysplasia at 5 years?

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of further follow-up for children treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip, with normal clinical and radiological findings at 1-year time point. The effect was quantified by the number of hips with a pathologic deterioration up to 5 years.

METHODS

Among 47,289 children born in Sør-Trøndelag county in Norway between 2003 and 2015, 265 children had developmental dysplasia of the hip. Of these, 164 children (239 hips) treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip with normal clinical findings and normal acetabular index at the 1-year time point were included in the study. The number of hips with pathologic acetabular index at the 5-year time point were reported. The diagnostic uncertainty related to radiological measurements was quantified together with the effect of introducing a second radiographic measurement, the center edge angle.

RESULTS

A total of 239 treated hips were normal at the 1-year time point. At 5-year time point, 10 (4.2%) hips had a pathologic acetabular index measurement and none classified to have developmental dysplasia of the hip caused by measurement inaccuracy. Eight (3.3%) hips had pathologic center edge angle measurement. Four hips had both pathologic acetabular index and center edge angle measurements, with three later treated with surgery. The intra- and interobserver repeatability coefficients were within 3.1°-6.6°.

CONCLUSION

The repeatability coefficient of the acetabular index measurements was high and no hips could be classified to have developmental dysplasia of the hip at the 5-year time point when taking this repeatability into account. Hips classified as pathologic combining acetabular index and center edge angle measurements were likely to be treated with surgery for residual dysplasia. We recommend further follow-up for these children.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

level II.

Is foot deformity associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip?

Aims

To assess if congenital foot deformity is a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Between 1996 and 2012, 60,844 children were born in Sør-Trøndelag county in Norway. In this cohort study, children with risk factors for DDH were examined using ultrasound. The risk factors evaluated were clinical hip instability, breech delivery, a family history of DDH, a foot deformity, and some syndromes. As the aim of the study was to examine the risk for DDH and foot deformity in the general population, children with syndromes were excluded. The information has been prospectively registered and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Overall, 494 children (0.8%) had DDH, and 1,132 (1.9%) a foot deformity. Of the children with a foot deformity, 49 (4.3%) also demonstrated DDH. There was a statistically significant increased association between DDH and foot deformity (p < 0.001). The risk of DDH was highest for talipes calcaneovalgus (6.1%) and club foot (3.5%), whereas metatarsus adductus (1.5%) had a marginal increased risk of DDH.

Conclusion

Compared with the general population, children with a congenital foot deformity had a significantly increased risk for DDH and therefore we regard foot deformity as a true risk factor for DDH.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1582–1586.

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

PURPOSE

To 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.

METHODS

A 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).

RESULTS

Data 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%.

CONCLUSION

The 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.

The Prevalence and Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)

BACKGROUND

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder with multisystem involvement. There are a number of associated orthopaedic manifestations, the most recognized of which is scoliosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hip dysplasia and to investigate its treatment in patients with PWS.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, all patients seen at our institution's Prader-Willi multidisciplinary clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with an ultrasound, anteroposterior (AP) spine, AP abdomen, AP hip radiograph, and/or skeletal survey were included in the study. The presence of hip dysplasia was determined based on ultrasonographic and/or radiographic measurements performed by a single fellowship trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between patient demographics and the prevalence of hip dysplasia. Age at diagnosis, treatment type, and outcomes were recorded for patients that underwent treatment for hip dysplasia.

RESULTS

Hip dysplasia was identified in 30% (27/90) of the patient population. Two of the 27 patients (7.4%) had normal films but had a history of resolved hip dysplasia. Prevalence was not associated with sex (P=0.7072), genetic subtype (P=0.5504), race (P=0.8537), ethnicity (P=0.2191), or duration of follow-up (P=0.4421). Eight of the 27 patients (30%) underwent hip treatment by Pavlik harness (2/8), Pavlik harness and closed reduction (1/8), closed reduction (3/8), open reduction (1/8), and unspecified hip surgery (1/8). The mean age at diagnosis was 2 months for the patients that were successfully treated for hip dysplasia (3/8) and 12 months for those who had residual dysplasia following the treatment (5/8).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates a higher prevalence of hip dysplasia in patients with PWS than previously documented. The age at which hip dysplasia develops remains unknown; therefore, we recommend an ultrasound screening for all infants with PWS at 6 weeks of age and subsequent radiographic studies at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 years of age to allow for early diagnosis and intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Ultrasound Screening for Posterior Shoulder Dislocation in Infants with Persistent Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

BACKGROUND

Early detection of posterior shoulder dislocation in infants with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is essential, but it may be difficult to accomplish with physical examination alone. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of shoulder dislocation in patients with BPBP using ultrasound and to identify which physical examination measurements correlated most with dislocation in these patients.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of data obtained in an ultrasound screening program of infants with BPBP born from January 2011 to April 2014. Physical examination included the use of the Active Movement Scale (AMS) and measurement of passive external rotation of the shoulder. Ultrasound measurements included PHHD (percentage of the humeral head displaced posterior to the axis of the scapula) and the alpha angle (intersection of the posterior scapular margin with a line tangential to the humeral head through the glenoid). Shoulder dislocation was defined as both a PHHD of >0.5 and an alpha angle of >30°.

RESULTS

Of sixty-six infants who had undergone a total of 118 ultrasound examinations (mean, 1.8; range, 1 to 5), 19 (29%) demonstrated shoulder dislocation with the shoulder positioned in internal rotation; the dislocation was first detected between 2.1 and 10.5 months of age. Infants with a dislocated shoulder demonstrated significantly less mean passive external rotation in adduction (mean, 45.8° versus 71.4°, p < 0.001) and a greater difference between internal rotation and external rotation AMS scores (mean, 5.5-point versus 3.3-point difference, p < 0.001) than those without shoulder dislocation. Passive external rotation in adduction was a better measure for discriminating between dislocation and no dislocation (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.89) than was the difference between internal and external rotation AMS scores (AUC = 0.73). A cutoff of 60° of passive external rotation in adduction (≤60° versus° >60) yielded a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 69%.

CONCLUSIONS

Shoulder dislocation is common in infants with BPBP; 29% of the infants presenting to our tertiary care center had a dislocation during their first year of life. Ultrasound shoulder screening is appropriate for infants with BPBP. If passive external rotation in adduction is used to determine which infants should undergo ultrasound, ≤60° should be utilized as the criterion to achieve appropriate sensitivity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early dynamic ultrasound for neonatal hip instability: implications for rural Australia

BACKGROUND

Neonatal instability of the hip (NIH), where the femoral head can move away from the acetabulum, in the first weeks of life, is an important risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). In rural areas in Australia, there is a recent trend to increased late diagnosis of DDH. Clinical screening of infant hips, a common practice in Australia, is experience dependent. Best practice early screening techniques are still debated with different techniques and timing used internationally. This systematic review examines early dynamic ultrasound (eDUS) screening for hip instability in the first 6 weeks after birth, and the early interventions informed by these findings and considers the findings for the context of rural Australia.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL and PEDro were searched for original research or systematic reviews, and clinical studies 1998 to 2015 involving dynamic ultrasound. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools were used to appraise the studies.

RESULT

Nineteen studies were included. Early Dynamic Ultrasound (DUS) is consistently described as a reliable assessment of NIH. Early DUS is recommended for risk factors including geographical areas of high prevalence. Approaches to early intervention of hips with excessive movement are somewhat discipline-related and include: primary prevention (advice), secondary prevention (abduction supports), and conservative management (removable splints).

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of increased prevalence of DDH in rural Australia, contemporary evidence suggests that introduction of early DUS could provide rural infants with more effective screening than clinical examination alone. Targeted early advice about posturing and simple removable supports to abduct infant hips could prevent some cases of DDH in rural Australia.

Ilfeld abduction orthosis is an effective second-line treatment after failure of Pavlik harness for infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip

BACKGROUND

Closed reduction and spica casting is the most commonly recommended choice for infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) for whom Pavlik harness treatment has failed, but it requires general anesthesia in addition to the challenges of spica cast care. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of Ilfeld bracing for infants for whom Pavlik harness treatment is unsuccessful and to compare these results with those for a similar cohort of patients directly undergoing closed reduction and spica casting.

METHODS

We reviewed the cases of a consecutive series of children with DDH who had failure of Pavlik harness treatment and were subsequently managed with Ilfeld bracing (the BR cohort) and compared this cohort with a similar historical group of infants who had failure of Pavlik harness treatment but had standard closed reduction and spica casting (the CR cohort). The cohorts were compared with respect to clinical and ultrasonographic data at the time of Pavlik discontinuation. At one year, the hip stability and acetabular index were assessed; the presence of osteonecrosis was graded according to the criteria described by Salter et al.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight hips (nineteen infants) made up the BR cohort and twenty-two hips (sixteen infants) made up the CR cohort. Ultrasonographic indices (including the alpha angle and the percentage of femoral head coverage) were comparable between the two cohorts (p=0.66 and 0.19, respectively). Following treatment, a stable reduction was achieved in twenty-three (82%) of twenty-eight hips in the BR cohort compared with twenty (91%) of twenty-two hips in the CR cohort. At one year, acetabular indices were similar between both cohorts (mean and standard deviation, 27°±6° for the BR cohort versus 27°±5° for the CR cohort; p=0.62); however, osteonecrosis developed in three hips in the CR cohort compared with none in the BR cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series of infants with DDH for whom Pavlik harness treatment had failed, Ilfeld bracing had success rates comparable with those for closed reduction and spica cast treatment. With the added advantages of avoiding general anesthesia and spica casting as well as a potentially lower rate of osteonecrosis, rigid abduction bracing should be considered as the next step for infants who have had failed Pavlik harness treatment prior to proceeding with closed reduction and spica casting.

Congenital dislocation of the hip: optimal screening strategies in 2014

A prospective multi-centre nationwide study of patients with congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) diagnosed after 3 months of age was conducted with support from the French Society for Paediatric Orthopaedics (Société Française d'Orthopédie Pédiatrique [SoFOP]), French Organisation for Outpatient Paediatrics (Association Française de Pédiatrie Ambulatoire [AFPA]), and French-Speaking Society for Paediatric and Pre-Natal Imaging (Société Francophone d'Imagerie Pédiatrique et Prénatale [SFIPP]). The results showed inadequacies in clinical screening for CDH that were patent when assessed quantitatively and probably also present qualitatively. These findings indicate a need for a communication and educational campaign aimed at highlighting good clinical practice guidelines in the field of CDH screening. The usefulness of routine ultrasound screening has not been established. The findings from this study have been used by the authors and French National Health Authority (Haute Autorité de Santé [HAS]) to develop recommendations about CDH screening. There is an urgent need for a prospective randomised multi-centre nationwide study, which should involve primary-care physicians.

Incidence and treatment of developmental hip dysplasia in Mongolia: a prospective cohort study

Background

In Mongolia, adequate early diagnosis and treatment of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) have been unavailable and its incidence was unknown. We determined the incidence of ultrasonographic DDH in newborns and established adequate procedures for diagnosis and treatment of DDH at the largest maternity hospital in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Methodology/Principal Findings

During one year (Sept 2010 – Aug 2011) we assessed the hips newborns using ultrasound and Graf’s classification of DDH. 8,356 newborns were screened; median age at screening was 1 day. We identified 14,873 Type 1 (89.0%), 1715 Type 2a (10.3%), 36 Type 2c (0.2%), 70 Type D (0.4%), 14 Type 3 (0.08%), and 4 Type 4 hips (0.02%). Children with Type 1 hips (normal) were discharged. Children with Type 2a hips (physiologically immature) received follow-up ultrasounds at monthly intervals. Children with Type 2c to 4 (DDH; deformed or misaligned hip joint) hips were treated with a Tubingen hip flexion splint and also followed up. The hip abnormalities resolved to mature hips in all children who were followed up. There was no evidence for severe treatment related complications.

Conclusion/Significance

This study suggests that the incidence of DDH in Mongolian neonates is comparable to that in neonates in Europe. Early ultrasound-based assessment and splinting treatment of DDH led to mature hips in all children followed up. Procedures are feasible and will be continued.

Screening strategies for hip dysplasia: long-term outcome of a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Screening for hip dysplasia is controversial. A previous randomized controlled trial revealed that adding universal or selective ultrasound to routine clinical examination gave a nonsignificant reduction in rates of late presenting cases, but with higher treatment rates. This study assesses differences in outcome at skeletal maturity for the 3 newborn screening strategies in terms of radiographic markers of acetabular dysplasia and early degenerative change and avascular necrosis (AVN) secondary to neonatal treatment.

METHODS

From the initial trial including 11 925 newborns, a population-based sample of 3935 adolescents was invited for follow-up at age 18 to 20 years. A standardized weight-bearing anteroposterior view was obtained. The outcomes evaluated were the radiographic findings of dysplasia (center-edge angle, femoral head extrusion-index, acetabular depth-width ratio, Sharp's angle, subjective evaluation of dysplasia) and degenerative change (joint-space width). Signs of AVN were documented.

RESULTS

Of the 3935 subjects invited, 2038 (51.8%) attended the maturity review, of which 2011 (58.2% female patients) were included: 551, 665, and 795 subjects from the universal, selective, and clinical groups, respectively. Rates per group of positive radiographic findings associated with dysplasia or degenerative change varied depending on radiographic marker used. No statistically significant differences were detected between groups. No AVN was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Although both selective and universal ultrasound screenings gave a nonsignificant reduction in rates of late cases when compared with expert clinical programs, we were unable to demonstrate any additional reduction in the rates of radiographic findings associated with acetabular dysplasia or degenerative change at maturity. Increased treatment rates were not associated with AVN.

Breech preterm infants are at risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip

AIM

There is uncertainty about the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in breech preterm infants and therefore uncertainty about the benefits of using ultrasound screening in this population. The aim of this study was to determine if preterm infants born in the breech position are at risk of DDH.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of preterm and term infants born in the breech position was performed to determine the incidence of DDH. Group 1 included breech preterm infants (<37 weeks gestational age) born between 2004 and 2008. Group 2 included breech term infants (≥37 weeks gestational age) born between 2005 and 2007. Infants were screened with clinical examination and ultrasound of the hip and were classified into two outcome groups: positive or negative for DDH.

RESULTS

Three out of 129 (2.3%) preterm infants screened had DDH. For term infants, 3 out of 163 (1.8%) infants screened had DDH. The odds ratio for DDH in breech preterm infants compared with breech term infants was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.25 to 6.40).

CONCLUSION

Preterm infants born in the breech position appear to have a similar incidence of DDH to term infants and thus require similar screening guidelines.

Parent satisfaction with early and delayed abduction splinting therapy of developmental hip dysplasia

AIM

To determine whether treatment for mild hip dysplasia instigated in the newborn period was preferred over a delayed treatment by the parents, as delayed treatment for mild hip dysplasia detected in newborns is an acceptable medical policy.

METHODS

During a study period of 16 months from 2010 to 2011, parents attending the paediatric radiology outpatient clinic at Haukeland University Hospital for a follow-up of their baby with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), were invited to fill in a questionnaire on parent satisfaction on information provided, and on follow-up and treatment given.

RESULTS

A total of 91 parents were included, of which 66 (72.5%) had their babies treated from birth (group 1), while 25 (27.5%) had their child treated from 5 weeks onwards (group 2). Although parents in the delayed treatment group, in retrospect, were less satisfied with timing of the treatment than those in the early treatment group (p < 0.00), their general impression and total satisfaction did not differ (p = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

The overall parent satisfaction on follow-up and treatment did not differ according to whether treatment was instigated at birth or later in infancy.

Pubo-femoral distance: an easy sonographic screening test to avoid late diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip

OBJECTIVES

To propose an easy and reproducible sonographic screening test able to avoid late presentation of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

METHODS

The pubo-femoral distance (PFD) cut-off point was determined on 980 infants who underwent ultrasonography of the hips in comparison with the final diagnosis, based on clinical, ultrasound data and follow-up. PFD reproducibility was tested on 52 hips by both an experienced and an inexperienced radiologist. After teaching this screening method to general radiologists, its impact was evaluated by analysing the rate of late diagnosis in an entire administrative area.

RESULTS

An abnormal PFD threshold above 6 mm gave a sensitivity of 97.4 % for the diagnosis of DDH (271 hips) and a specificity of 84 %. Sensitivity increased to 100 % when taking into consideration children of 1 month or older. The PFD measurement stayed reproducible even in inexperienced hands (k = 0.795). For 3 years, following the extension of screening to all female infants, there was no late diagnosis of DDH in girls in amongst a catchment area of 1 million inhabitants.

CONCLUSIONS

PFD measurement with a threshold for abnormality of 6 mm at the age of 1 month, without asymmetry above 1.5 mm, could eradicate DDH late diagnosis.

Risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip: a meta-analysis

Early detection and subsequent treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is thought to improve its prognosis. Frequently reported risk factors for DDH are a positive family history of DDH, female sex and breech presentation, but there is not a lot of systematic knowledge about DDH risk factors. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence on DDH risk factors. We searched Medline, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library from conception up until October 2011 for primary articles on the subject. All studies reporting on potential risk factors for DDH that allowed construction of a two-by-two table were selected. Language restrictions were not applied. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed study quality. The association between risk factors and DDH was expressed as a common odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We identified 30 relevant studies reporting on 1,494,387 children; 26 studies were cohort studies and four studies used a case-control design. The risk of DDH was strongly increased in case of breech delivery (OR 5.7, 95% CI 4.4-7.4), female sex (OR 3.8, 95% CI 3.0-4.6) a positive family history of DDH (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.8-8.2) and clicking hips at clinical examination (OR 8.6, 95% CI 4.5-16.6). This meta-analysis shows that infants born in breech presentation, female infants, infants with a positive family history and clicking hips at clinical examination have an increased risk for DDH. This knowledge can be helpful in the development of screening programs for DDH.

Screening programmes for developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborn infants

BACKGROUND

Uncorrected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is associated with long term morbidity such as gait abnormalities, chronic pain and degenerative arthritis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of different screening programmes for DDH on the incidence of late presentation of congenital hip dislocation.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches were performed in CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE and EMBASE (January 2011) supplemented by searches of clinical trial registries, conference proceedings, cross references and contacting expert informants.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised, quasi-randomised or cluster trials comparing the effectiveness of screening programmes for DDH.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three independent review authors assessed study eligibility and quality, and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

No study examined the effect of screening (clinical and/or ultrasound) and early treatment versus not screening and later treatment.One study reported universal ultrasound compared to clinical examination alone did not result in a significant reduction in late diagnosed DDH or surgery but was associated with a significant increase in treatment.One study reported targeted ultrasound compared to clinical examination alone did not result in a significant reduction in late diagnosed DDH or surgery, with no significant difference in rate of treatment.Meta-analysis of two studies found universal ultrasound compared to targeted ultrasound did not result in a significant reduction in late diagnosed DDH or surgery. There was heterogeneity between studies reporting the effect on treatment rate.Meta-analysis of two studies found delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting compared to immediate splinting of infants with unstable (but not dislocated) hips resulted in no significant difference in the rate of late diagnosed DDH. Both studies reported a significant reduction in treatment with use of delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting.One study reported delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting compared to immediate splinting of infants with mild hip dysplasia on ultrasound resulted in no significant difference in late diagnosed DDH but a significant reduction in treatment. No infants in either group received surgery.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to give clear recommendations for practice. There is inconsistent evidence that universal ultrasound results in a significant increase in treatment compared to the use of targeted ultrasound or clinical examination alone. Neither of the ultrasound strategies have been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes including late diagnosed DDH and surgery. The studies are substantially underpowered to detect significant differences in the uncommon event of late detected DDH or surgery. For infants with unstable hips or mildly dysplastic hips, use of delayed ultrasound and targeted splinting reduces treatment without significantly increasing the rate of late diagnosed DDH or surgery.

Cost-effectiveness of universal ultrasound screening compared with clinical examination alone in the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hip dysplasia in Austria

Between 1978 and 1997 all newborns in the Austrian province of Tyrol were reviewed regarding hip dysplasia and related surgery. This involved a mean of 8257 births per year (7766 to 8858). Two observation periods were determined: 1978 to 1982 (clinical examination alone) and 1993 to 1997 (clinical examination and universal ultrasound screening). A retrospective analysis compared the number and cost of interventions due to hip dysplasia in three patient age groups: A, 0 to < 1.5 years; B, ≥ 1.5 to < 15 years; and C, ≥ 15 to < 35 years.

In group A, there was a decrease in hip reductions from a mean of 25.2 (sd 2.8) to 7.0 (sd 1.4) cases per year. In group B, operative procedures decreased from a mean of 17.8 (sd 3.5) to 2.6 (sd 1.3) per year. There was a 75.9% decrease in the total number of interventions for groups A and B.

An increase of €57 000 in the overall cost per year for the second period (1993 to 1997) was seen, mainly due to the screening programme. However, there was a marked reduction in costs of all surgical and non-surgical treatments for dysplastic hips from €410 000 (1978 to 1982) to €117 000 (1993 to 1997). We believe the small proportional increase in costs of the universal ultrasound screening programme is justifiable as it was associated with a reduction in the number of non-surgical and surgical interventions. We therefore recommend universal hip ultrasound screening for neonates.

The use of X-ray at 5 months in a selective screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip

BACKGROUND

The methods used for any screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can be controversial. This was an opportunistic audit of our selective ultrasound screening programme using an X-ray at 5 months to prevent inappropriate discharge due to the learning curve of ultrasound.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2004 in Nottingham, UK, out of a total population of 108,500 births, approximately 11,500 neonates were screened using ultrasound. Any child with an ultrasound scan showing Graf α-angles greater than 60° (Graf Type I) with the hip in joint were discharged from the clinic. All of those discharged were subsequently X-rayed at 5 months in order to cover the learning curve of ultrasound. The X-rays were reviewed by a consultant radiologist and referred back to orthopaedics if there was lateralisation of the femoral head or an acetabular index above 30°.

RESULTS

Of approximately 11,000 X-rays performed, only 53 patients were referred back to orthopaedics, of which 47 had a complete data set. Of these 47 children, only 8 (17%) required intervention. On review of the original ultrasounds, Graf's α-angle did not seem to correlate well with the need for intervention, as all were Type I hips. The femoral head cover (FHC) appeared to be more predictive of the need for treatment. There have been no late presentations to our unit of DDH following a normal 5-month X-ray.

CONCLUSIONS

We now check the Graf α-angle, FHC and dynamic stability in the ultrasound assessment and only perform X-ray at 5 months if there was a low α-angle or low FHC. Since this change, there have been no late presentations of DDH from the population screened by ultrasound.

Brachial plexus birth injury: US screening for glenohumeral joint instability

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the use and optimal timing of ultrasonographic (US) screening for posterior shoulder subluxation in infantswith brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Approval of the ethics committee and informed consent of guardians was obtained. This population-based prospective study included neonates with BPBI who were born in Helsinki from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006, and in whom BPBI was verified with sequential clinical examinations. US was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Size (width and height) of the humeral head and its ossification center and congruency of the shoulder (alpha angle) were measured. Frequency of BPBI and permanent changes were evaluated. This study also included patients who were referred from the tertiary catchment area. For statistical analysis, 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and analysis of variance was performed.

RESULTS

BPBI was seen in 132 of 41980 neonates (3.1 per 1000). In 27 cases (0.64 per 1000), BPBI did not heal during the 1st year of life and was considered permanent. The humeral head and its ossification center were smaller on the affected side in permanent BPBI. Nine patients with permanent palsy had posterior subluxation of the humeral head depicted with US (alpha angle, >30 degrees ). In five patients, posterior subluxation [corrected] was detected at 3 months. Nineteen of 21 patients with BPBI from the tertiary catchment area had permanent palsy. Ten of 19 patients developed posterior subluxation of the shoulder, which was verified with US. Altogether, three of these cases were not detected by surgeons. Posterior subluxation of the humeral head developed during the 1st year of life in one-third of patients with permanent BPBI. In more than one-half (55% [five of nine]) of the patients, posterior subluxation [corrected] was detected with US at 3 months, and in 89% (eight of nine), it was detected at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

US is a fast and useful tool for diagnosis of posterior subluxation of the humeral head, and examination of the glenohumeral joint should be performed at 3 and 6 months of age in infants with BPBI if symptoms persist.

Immediate treatment versus sonographic surveillance for mild hip dysplasia in newborns

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a blinded, randomized, controlled trial to examine whether mildly dysplastic but stable or instable hips would benefit from early treatment, as compared with watchful waiting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 128 newborns with mild hip dysplasia (sonographic inclination angle [alpha angle] of 43 degrees -49 degrees ) and stable or instable but not dislocatable hips were randomly assigned to receive either 6 weeks of abduction treatment (immediate-treatment group) or follow-up alone (active-sonographic-surveillance group). The main outcome measurement was the acetabular inclination angle, measured by radiograph, at 1 year of age.

RESULTS

Both groups included 64 newborns, and there was no loss to follow-up. With the exception of a small but statistically significant excess of girls in the active-sonographic-surveillance group, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The mean inclination angle at 12 months was 24.2 degrees for both groups (difference: 0.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.8 to 0.9]), and all children had improved and were without treatment. The mean alpha angle was 59.7 degrees in the treatment group and 57.1 degrees in the active-surveillance group for a difference of 2.6 degrees evaluated after 1.5 and 3 months (95% CI: 1.8 to 3.4; P < .001). At 1.5 months of age, the hips had improved in all treated children but not in 5 children under active surveillance (P = .06). Among the sonographic-surveillance group, 47% received treatment after the initial surveillance period of 1.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Active-sonographic-surveillance halved the number of children requiring treatment, did not increase the duration of treatment, and yielded similar results at 1-year follow-up. Given a reported prevalence of 1.3% for mildly dysplastic but stable hips, a strategy of active surveillance would reduce the overall treatment rate by 0.6%. Our results may have important implications for families as well as for health care costs.

The knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and secondary care nurse-midwife practitioners on developmental dysplasia of hip

A detailed clinical examination of the newborn performed by nurse-midwife practitioners has been recommended as a standard practice throughout the most western countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and secondary care nurse-midwife practitioners on developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) before and after a structured lesson. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, pre- and post-test. The number of participants from primary care and secondary care nurse-midwife practitioners were 155 and 208, respectively. A structured questionnaire consisting of 28 statements of medical and practical knowledge, and traditional attitudes with regard to DDH was administered. The results determined that the pre-test scores were much lower than the post-test scores of both primary and secondary care practitioners. Although there was a lack of knowledge about DDH in both groups, the pre-test and post-test scores were higher in the primary care group compared to the secondary care group. In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and secondary care nurse-midwife practitioners on developmental dysplasia of hip are in need of improvement. This improvement may be provided by continuing education programmes.

A reappraisal of the Ortolani examination in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

The Ortolani maneuver is currently accepted as an accurate test to detect developmental dislocation of the hip. However, the clinical sign does not always correlate with the findings seen on ultrasound. The ultrasound-documented position of the femoral head was correlated with the result of the clinical Ortolani examination to better understand the value and validity of the Ortolani test. Two populations were compared: hips with a positive Ortolani sign and hips with a negative Ortolani sign but with an ultrasound-documented dislocated hip. In the Ortolani-positive group, there were 45 patients (53 affected hips), and in the Ortolani-negative group, there were 24 patients (25 dislocated hips). Position of the femoral head at rest, side of involvement, and sex showed no significant difference between the Ortolani-positive and -negative groups. Mean age of patients in the Ortolani-positive group was less (mean, 28 days) and was statistically different (P < 0.05) from those in the Ortolani-negative group (mean, 91 days). In conclusion, dislocated hips that show similar femoral head movement can produce an Ortolani-positive examination in a younger patient and an Ortolani-negative examination in an older patient. The classic clinical method described by Ortolani for detecting hip dislocation in which the thigh of the affected hip is abducted and the femoral head was thought to be reducing into the acetabulum can be erroneous. All Ortolani-positive hips were abnormal, as the sensation characteristic of a positive Ortolani examination may be felt without full reduction and, in some cases, with no reduction, as documented by ultrasound.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

In its severest form, developmental dysplasia of the hip is one of the most common congenital malformations. The pathophysiology and natural history of the range of morphological and clinical disorders that constitute developmental dysplasia of the hip are poorly understood. Neonatal screening programmes, based on clinical screening examinations, have been established for more than 40 years but their effectiveness remains controversial. Whereas systematic sonographic imaging of newborn and young infants has afforded insights into normal and abnormal hip development in early life, we do not clearly understand the longer-term outcomes of developmental hip dysplasia, its contribution to premature degenerative hip disorders in adult life, and the benefits and harms of newborn screening. High quality studies of the adult outcomes of developmental hip dysplasia and the childhood origins of early degenerative hip disease are needed, as are randomised trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of neonatal screening and early treatment.

Ultrasound in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns. The European approach. A review of methods, accuracy and clinical validity

Based on soft evidence that ultrasound screening tends to reduce the rate of late developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the need for surgical interventions, different screening strategies including universal or selective ultrasound screening have been established in several European countries and centres during the last decade. We performed an extensive search for articles on ultrasound diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip over the last 26 years. A few studies reported an adequate repeatability for the static [Graf, Morin, modified Morin (Terjesen)] and for the combined static/dynamic methods [modified Graf (Rosendahl)], while no such reports were found for the dynamic (Harcke) ultrasound techniques. The effect of newborn ultrasound screening on late DDH have been addressed in two randomised trials (RCTs), both concluding that both selective and universal ultrasound screening tend to reduce the prevalence of subluxed or dislocated DDH, thus without reaching statistical significance. Finally, several observational studies have shown that morphologically normal hips tend to remain normal with or without a co-existing instability, and 97% of sonographically immature hips tend to normalise spontaneously within 3 months. Two studies report on a similar pattern for mildly dysplastic, but stable hips. From the data available we suggest that selective ultrasound screening is worthwhile in areas with a high prevalence of late cases, given a well-organised, high-quality service can be provided.

Longitudinal study of normal hip development by ultrasound

In the management of a newborn's hips, ultrasonography has proven to be useful. The progression of measurements at different ages in normal hips has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the longitudinal development of clinically stable hips. Forty newborns (80 hips) were assessed by ultrasonography at birth and at 6 and 12 weeks of age. Femoral head coverage (FHC), alpha angles, and beta angles were measured. The results showed a significant change in values between the three points in time for all measurements (P < 0.001). The mean FHC progressed from 58.4% to 65.6% to 69.3%, the mean alpha angle from 70.2 degrees to 76.8 degrees to 80.3 degrees , and the mean beta angle from 52.1 degrees to 45.7 degrees to 42.9 degrees . In clinically stable hips, the FHC and alpha and beta angles change significantly over time; therefore, it is important to consider the child's age when interpreting ultrasound images.

Plastazote abduction orthosis in the management of neonatal hip instability

Since 1987, 113 consecutive newborns with either Ortolani-positive or provocative-positive hip examinations in the newborn nursery have been treated with a Plastazote hip abduction orthosis when diagnosed and followed to determine if the method was safe, effective, and easy to use. Ortolani-positive hips often had bilateral abnormalities in the hip examination, were frequently associated with breech position, and were anatomically more dysplastic than those hips that were unstable by provocative testing. No patient developed ischemic necrosis during follow-up. Only two had additional treatment of their unstable hips. The rest had excellent results. Parents and caregivers found the device easy to use. The orthosis is recommended as the primary method for managing newborns with clinical instability to either the provocative or Ortolani test as being safe, effective, and easy to use across all skill levels.

Paediatric hip--ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip: a review

This paper will try to deal with the following questions: Which is the correct screening model for the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? What is the clinical significance of "sonographic" DDH? Can overtreatment produced by ultrasound (US) screening cause a waste of resources and eventually morbidity? We reviewed the literature since January, 1996 through December, 2000. To compare our experience with the literature, we analysed the results of the US examinations of the hip performed in our Institute. Over 4 years of US screening 11326 infants (22652 hips), aged 3 days to 4 months, were examined consecutively. Sonographic hip findings were abnormal in 531 infants (4.7%). The screening showed 381 subjects (3.36% of the population) with a type IIa hip (bilateral or unilateral); 65% of these infants were normal at follow up and only 35% worsened. On the whole we treated 282 infants (2.5%). No open reduction was performed. Avascular necrosis appeared in 2/282 treated cases (1.06%). We support the routine generalised US screening of neonatal hips. The excess of doubtful cases and, consequently, of the extra referrals may be limited, and the overtreatment decreased to the lowest rates reported by optimisation of everyone's approach.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip practice guideline: technical report. Committee on Quality Improvement, and Subcommittee on Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

OBJECTIVE

To create a recommendation for pediatricians and other primary care providers about their role as screeners for detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children.

PATIENTS

Theoretical cohorts of newborns.

METHOD

Model-based approach using decision analysis as the foundation. Components of the approach include the following:

PERSPECTIVE

Primary care provider.

OUTCOMES

DDH, avascular necrosis of the hip (AVN).

OPTIONS

Newborn screening by pediatric examination; orthopaedic examination; ultrasonographic examination; orthopaedic or ultrasonographic examination by risk factors. Intercurrent health supervision-based screening. PREFERENCES: 0 for bad outcomes, 1 for best outcomes.

MODEL

Influence diagram assessed by the Subcommittee and by the methodology team, with critical feedback from the Subcommittee. EVIDENCE SOURCES: Medline and EMBASE search of the research literature through June 1996. Hand search of sentinel journals from June 1996 through March 1997. Ancestor search of accepted articles. EVIDENCE QUALITY: Assessed on a custom subjective scale, based primarily on the fit of the evidence to the decision model.

RESULTS

After discussion, explicit modeling, and critique, an influence diagram of 31 nodes was created. The computer-based and the hand literature searches found 534 articles, 101 of which were reviewed by 2 or more readers. Ancestor searches of these yielded a further 17 articles for evidence abstraction. Articles came from around the globe, although primarily Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia, and their descendants. There were 5 controlled trials, each with a sample size less than 40. The remainder were case series. Evidence was available for 17 of the desired 30 probabilities. Evidence quality ranged primarily between one third and two thirds of the maximum attainable score (median: 10-21; interquartile range: 8-14). Based on the raw evidence and Bayesian hierarchical meta-analyses, our estimate for the incidence of DDH revealed by physical examination performed by pediatricians is 8.6 per 1000; for orthopaedic screening, 11.5; for ultrasonography, 25. The odds ratio for DDH, given breech delivery, is 5.5; for female sex, 4.1; for positive family history, 1.7, although this last factor is not statistically significant. Postneonatal cases of DDH were divided into mid-term (younger than 6 months of age) and late-term (older than 6 months of age). Our estimates for the mid-term rate for screening by pediatricians is 0.34/1000 children screened; for orthopaedists, 0.1; and for ultrasonography, 0.28. Our estimates for late-term DDH rates are 0.21/1000 newborns screened by pediatricians; 0.08, by orthopaedists; and 0.2 for ultrasonography. The rates of AVN for children referred before 6 months of age is estimated at 2.5/1000 infants referred. For those referred after 6 months of age, our estimate is 109/1000 referred infants. The decision model (reduced, based on available evidence) suggests that orthopaedic screening is optimal, but because orthopaedists in the published studies and in practice would differ, the supply of orthopaedists is relatively limited, and the difference between orthopaedists and pediatricians is statistically insignificant, we conclude that pediatric screening is to be recommended. The place of ultrasonography in the screening process remains to be defined because there are too few data about postneonatal diagnosis by ultrasonographic screening to permit definitive recommendations. These data could be used by others to refine the conclusions based on costs, parental preferences, or physician style. Areas for research are well defined by our model-based approach.

Ultrasound measurements of the newborn hip. Comparison of two methods in 657 newborns

We compared ultrasound measurements using the Graf and Terjesen methods in 657 newborns. The alpha angle and femoral head coverage (FHC) were analyzed. The rate of DDH was 3.9%, according to Graf and 2.9%, according to Terjesen. The spontaneous increases in alpha angle and FHC were 5 degrees and 7%, respectively, during the first 2 months. Good accordance between the two methods was shown. A few hips were normal, according to one method and were subluxated, according to the other one. The methods gave similar results, except the percentage of "immature hips" IIa (29%) and "possible dysplastic hips" (14%). This might be a sign of better specificity of the Terjesen method. Good interosberver agreement and simple classification favor use of the Terjesen method. The method of Graf is the most commonly used and gives adequate evaluation of the hip, if the method of examination and rather complicated classification are followed closely.