Screening programmes for developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborn infants (Review)

Shorter D, Hong T, Osborn DA

The Cochrane Collaboration and published in The Cochrane Library
2011, Issue 9. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com

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 methods
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.

Screening Strategies for Hip Dysplasia: Long-term Outcome of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pediatrics. 2013 Aug 19. [Epub ahead of print]
Laborie LB, Engesæter IO, Lehmann TG, Eastwood DM, Engesæter LB, Rosendahl K.

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 treatmet
rates were not associated with AVN.