Reliability of ultra-sound screening in detecting neonatal hip development disorder

Introduction: Hip Development Disorder (HDD) is the most frequent anomaly of the locomotoric system in a newborn. The incidence ranges from 2 to 4% and the causes are multifactor. It is diagnosed by clinical and ultra-sound screening because of the high prevalence and morbidity, and it is curable. The objective of the study is to show the reliability of primary ultra-sound screening in diagnosing neonatal hip development disorder as compared to clinical examination. Examinees and methods: HDD was observed over a three-year period in the Neonatology Department of the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Tuzla. In the first day after birth, both hips were examined by ultra-sound in the risk group neonates (positive clinical findings, positive family anamnesis, pelvic presentation, C-section, oligohydramion, anomalies of the locomotoric system and first-born child), while both hips were clinically examined in all living newborns. Results: 7402 (55.05%) newborns were examined by ultrasound, and 13 444 were clinically examined. The neonates were of both sexes. The incidence of HDD in the risk group is 8.86% and generally 48 to 1000 of living neonates. The statistic data processing showed a difference between ultrasound and clinical methods in diagnosing HDD (x=42.46, p<0.0001) with diagnostic accuracy of 89.45% and diagnostic sensitivity of 95%. Conclusion: Primary ultrasound screening in diagnosing HDD differs compared to clinical examination. It is not completely reliable when used alone, especially if the person doing the examination is not experienced.