Globally inconsistent: Countries with top health indices erratic developmental hip dysplasia screening protocols

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Global Health Policy

Background:

• Developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) is a common pediatric condition.
• Current international screening practices for DDH are not standardized.
• There is a need to understand global approaches to DDH screening and epidemiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize DDH screening protocols in countries with high global health indices.
• To explore variations in reported epidemiologic rates of DDH.
• To identify inconsistencies in international DDH screening and data collection.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of DDH screening protocols was conducted.
• Countries ranked in the top 25 of the Bloomberg Global Health Index were analyzed.
• Data on screening methods and incidence rates were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Eighty percent of analyzed countries had searchable DDH screening programs.
• Clinical screening with selective universal screening was most common.
• Four countries utilized universal ultrasound screening; no countries used radiographic screening.
• Incidence rate reporting varied significantly in definition and cohort.
• Five countries lacked searchable screening programs.

Conclusions:

• Significant international inconsistencies exist in DDH screening protocols and epidemiologic data collection.
• Variations in screening practices persist despite calls for uniformity.
• Increased consistency and transparency in DDH management are recommended.