Description
In this presentation, Justine Burt, a clinical research fellow at Golden Jubilee, discusses a study focused on the timing of diagnosis and treatment options for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in infants. The study highlights that early diagnosis within the first three months is critical in achieving better treatment outcomes, with a harness being effective in 95% of cases when applied early. Burt emphasizes the limitations of the current UK screening program, which relies on clinical examination and selective ultrasound, noting that 40-60% of DDH cases lack obvious risk factors and could potentially be missed. Through a retrospective observational study involving the examination of 1,051 newborns, the data collected revealed significant variations in the number of examinations conducted by different healthcare professionals, with 49% performing five or fewer examinations in the study period. The findings also indicated discrepancies in ultrasound referrals for infants deemed to have abnormal examination results, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current screening practices. Burt concludes that the varied experience among healthcare professionals significantly affects clinical detection rates, leading to late presentations of DDH, which are not acceptable in light of historical data. The study advocates for a systemic change to improve the detection and management of DDH, ensuring better outcomes for infants.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-230139