[Initial results of the evaluation study of ultrasound hip screening in Germany].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of a universal sonographic screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) established in Germany since 1996.


METHODS
Currently a national survey is being performed in Germany to identify infants and young children who receive inpatient treatment for DDH. Between May, 1997 and October, 1997 monthly questionnaires were sent to all pediatric orthopaedic surgeons (active surveillance) and they were asked to report all inpatient cases between 10 weeks of age and 5 years with current closed or open reduction and/or osteotomies due to DDH. Information on time and results of previous ultrasound screening as well as treatment modalities was obtained in reported cases.


RESULTS
129 children (mean age at hospital admission 15.9 months, range 1.1 to 57.1 months) underwent closed reduction (n = 51), open reduction (n = 40) and osteotomies of the hip (n = 38) in the 6-month study period. Ultrasound screening has been performed too late and not at all in 45 children (35.1%). While in 18 cases (13.7%) no information could be obtained on screening results, the majority of children (n = 66, 51.2%) had completed DDH screening prior to the sixth week of life as recommended. Preliminary calculation of the unadjusted incidence of inpatient treatment for DDH in Germany was 0.33 per 1000 livebirths.


CONCLUSIONS
DDH cases are still identified after introduction of an universal ultrasound hip screening in Germany. Continued evaluation must show, whether the incidence will decrease throughout the next few years.
Orthopädische Klinik, Universität Ulm (RKU).
K P
KP
Günther
S
S
Stoll
A
A
Schmitz
F U
FU
Niethard
L
L
Altenhofen
C
C
Melzer
R
R
von Kries
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006618:Hip Dislocation, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011159:Population Surveillance; D014463:Ultrasonography