Hip surveillance in children with cerebral palsy in the UK : history, challenges, and future directions

Cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with musculoskeletal complications in children, notably hip migration, which can progress to hip dislocation and joint degeneration. Without regular radiological monitoring, early-stage hip migration can be missed, potentially leading to complex, high-risk operations later in life. Hip surveillance programmes, such as the Swedish Uppföljningsprogram för Cerebral Pares (CPUP) and UK-based Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway (CPIP) and CPIP Scotland (CPIPS), aim to identify and address hip pathology proactively through serial radiological and clinical assessments. This helps to standardize care, reduce the incidence of hip dislocation, and prevent the need for salvage procedures. In turn, this preserves hip function, reduces pain, and improves quality of life. These programmes are surveillance rather than screening, as they do not dictate treatment or alter the course of the disease, but have been shown to reduce the burden of hip pathology in population studies. Despite the proven benefits of hip surveillance, widespread adoption has been slow due to the challenges of funding, coordinating radiological assessments, ensuring timely radiological interpretation, and limited clinician resources. Challenges also persist in determining the optimal interventions for hip migration and in engaging patients, families, and clinicians in these processes. Recent advances in technology, including machine learning tools and smartphone applications, show promise in improving the efficiency and accuracy of hip surveillance. Additionally, prospective clinical research aims to improve our understanding of the optimal treatment strategies for hip migration. Overall, hip surveillance continues to evolve, with potential for ongoing improvements in care and long-term outcomes for children with CP.