Ultrasound imaging performed initially at age one month appears to be a sensitive diagnostic screening test. However, better quality diagnostic accuracy studies are required.
General screening of newborns at birth or at one month of age for DDH using ultrasound rather than clinical examination appears to increase overall treatment rates and may be associated with overtreatment.
General ultrasound screening of newborns may reduce the severity and invasiveness of the treatments required for DDH.
There is no evidence that ultrasound screening reduces the number of clinically relevant cases of DDH diagnosed late.
Limited evidence indicates that general ultrasound screening of newborns offers little, if any increased benefit over selective use of ultrasound imaging.
There are no reliable data relating to the possible adverse consequences associated with general ultrasound screening of newborns for DDH or any associated treatments. Further research is required.
Few economic evaluation data are available and these are of limited value due to the quality of the clinical data upon which they are based. Overall the cost of ultrasound screening of newborns for DDH may be comparable to or better than that of other screening programmes
There is a lack of evidence. Studies that address the questions relating to the true course of DDH, the effects of treatment, and the accuracy of ultrasound screening are required.