Screening

Screening is important in congenital dislocation since prompt action with splinting can direct the growth of the acetabulum with very good results; the success is directly related to the age of diagnosis. In the UK the screening is as follows:

• shortly after birth by a paediatrician
• at 6 weeks by a general practitioner
• high risk patients referred to and screened by an orthopaedic surgeon

The tests used are Ortolani's and Barlow's test. Neither detects acetabular dysplasia, and late cases of congenital dysplasia still present.

Following abnormal findings at screening, hip ultrasound scans are performed to confirm the presence of any abnormality. Ultrasound is used as a screening technique in Austria and Germany.

Reference

1. Schwend RM et al. Evaluation and treatment of developmental hip dysplasia in the new born and infant. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Dec;61(6):1095-107.