Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: An Audit of the Ultrasound Screening Programme
I Irvine1, R Hayden1, H McDonald1
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Waterford.
Insights
The University Hospital Waterford ultrasound screening program effectively diagnoses developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants. Early detection and treatment with methods like harnessing prevent long-term disability and invasive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Public Health Screening
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a significant cause of childhood and young adult disability.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent invasive treatments and long-term morbidity associated with DDH.
- The Southeast of Ireland's DDH screening program at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) was evaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit the UHW ultrasound screening program for DDH in infants.
- To assess the outcomes of infants diagnosed with DDH in the Southeast of Ireland.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of early DDH detection and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- An audit of 992 DDH screening ultrasounds performed at UHW in 2020.
- Data collection included referral times, ultrasound scheduling, screening results, interventions, and patient outcomes.
- Analysis focused on the efficacy of the screening protocol and subsequent management.
Main Results:
- 255 infants (26%) were referred to orthopedics, with a 3:1 female predominance.
- Only two infants required further management for persistent DDH; others were successfully treated with non-invasive methods (harnessing, bracing).
- No infants scanned within the recommended 6 weeks later presented with hip dislocation or required tertiary referral.
Conclusions:
- The UHW ultrasound screening program is effective for prompt DDH diagnosis and early treatment.
- Successful early management significantly reduces the risk of lifelong disability from untreated DDH.
- The program helps avoid complex surgical interventions typically required for late-stage DDH.
Abstract:
Aims Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is an important cause of disability in children and young adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid more invasive interventions and long-term morbidity. This study examines the ultrasound screening programme conducted in University Hospital Waterford (UHW), and the outcomes for infants with DDH in the Southeast of Ireland. Methods We conducted an audit of all the DDH screening ultrasounds performed in UHW in the year 2020, a total of 992 infants. Data included referral and ultrasound times, screening results, interventions, and outcomes. Results Of those screened, 255 (26%) were referred to the Orthopaedic clinic, with a significant female majority of nearly 3:1. At the time of writing, only two infants were ultimately referred for further management of persistent DDH, the rest being successfully treated by less invasive interventions such as harnessing and bracing. There were no babies scanned within the recommended 6 weeks who later presented with a dislocated hip or required tertiary referral for DDH management. Conclusion The ultrasound screening programme in UHW is shown to be successful in the prompt diagnosis and early treatment of DDH. This plays a significant role in avoiding the lifelong disabling outcomes of untreated DDH, and the invasive surgical procedures required in the management of late-stage disease.
