The Inpatient Cost of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Is Delayed Presentation More Expensive?

Description

In this presentation, Thomas Walton, a core surgical trainee based in Exeter, discusses his research on the inpatient costs associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the implications of delayed diagnosis on treatment expenses. Walton begins by introducing the concept of DDH, explaining that it represents a range of hip socket abnormalities, from mild to severe dislocation. He emphasizes that early diagnosis supported by screening programs, such as the newborn infant physical examination (NIPE), can lead to more successful conservative treatments. However, he notes that some cases still go undiagnosed, resulting in more complex and costly interventions. In the study, Walton compares treatment costs for patients diagnosed early through the NIPE program against those who were missed during screening, revealing a significant trend where NIPE-negative patients incur higher treatment costs. While these findings did not achieve statistical significance due to the small sample size, Walton suggests that larger studies may further substantiate these trends. He concludes the talk by advocating for the consideration of universal ultrasound screening in the UK as a means to potentially reduce long-term costs and address the issue of delayed diagnosis, while also suggesting that further comprehensive research and investigation into long-term outcomes post-treatment is necessary.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221025

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