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Why all newborn hip screening programs have same results-a mini review
Matias Vaajala Bm1, Oskari Pakarinen2, Ilkka Helenius3,4
1Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. matias.vaajala@tuni.fi.
Insights
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) screening methods show similar outcomes for severe cases, despite varying practices. Current policies reflect resource availability more than definitive evidence.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) screening is standard for newborns, but practices vary globally.
- Controversies exist regarding the effectiveness of different screening strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review screening controversies for DDH.
- To explore why various screening programs yield similar outcomes.
- To discuss factors influencing DDH development.
Main Methods:
- Narrative mini-review of existing literature on DDH screening.
- Discussion of different screening strategies (universal ultrasound, selective ultrasound, clinical examination).
- Analysis of extrinsic factors affecting hip development post-birth.
Main Results:
- Universal ultrasound (US) detects more immature hips but doesn't reduce late-detected DDH or surgical rates.
- Selective US and clinical screening show similar late detection rates compared to universal US.
- Post-natal extrinsic factors can influence hip development, impacting early screening accuracy.
Conclusions:
- DDH screening strategies have limitations, with no significant differences in severe outcomes (late-detected, operative cases).
- Screening policy decisions are influenced by resource availability and societal values, not solely by clear evidence.
- Acknowledging these limitations is crucial for policy development.
Abstract:
All newborns are screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), but countries have varying screening practices. The aim of this narrative mini review is to discuss the controversies of the screening and why it seems that all screening programs are likely to have same outcome. Different screening strategies are discussed alongside with other factors influencing DDH in this review. Universal ultrasound (US) has been praised as it finds more immature hips than clinical examination, but it has not been proven to reduce the rates of late-detected DDH or surgical management. Universal US screening increases initial treatment rates, while selective US and clinical screening have similar outcomes regarding late detection rates than universal US. This can be explained by the extrinsic factor affecting the development of the hip joint after birth and thus initial screening during the early weeks cannot find these cases. Conclusion: It seems that DDH screening strategies have strengths and limitations without notable differences in the most severe outcomes (late-detected cases requiring operative treatment). Thus, it is important to acknowledge that the used screening policy is a combination of values and available resources rather than a decision based on clear evidence.
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