Globally inconsistent: Countries with top health indices erratic developmental hip dysplasia screening protocols

Abstract

Developmental hip dysplasia is a prevalent pediatric musculoskeletal condition that lacks international standardized screening. We sought to characterize developmental hip dysplasia screening practices in countries with the top global health indices. We also explored diverse definitions in reported epidemiologic rates of this condition. We performed a scoping review of developmental hip dysplasia screening protocols utilizing countries ranked in the top 25 of the Bloomberg Global Health Index using a protocolized search strategy, progressing from academic to layperson sources. A reference was eligible for inclusion if it mentioned the countries’ screening program and developmental hip dysplasia was the pathology of concern. Incidence rates, when present, were also recorded. The United States Census Bureau’s International Database tool provided countries’ populations. We compiled the data and performed descriptive statistics and appropriate validation methods. Twenty countries (80%) had searchable screening programs. Clinical screening with selective universal screening was the most commonly observed (n = 16). Four countries had universal ultrasound screening: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. Five countries did not have searchable programs. No countries employed radiographic screening. Incidence rates were expressly stated in the literature for nine countries; however, the cohort of interest varied from developmental hip dysplasia versus severity of developmental hip dysplasia versus miscellaneous (e.g. requiring hospitalization). The findings of this investigation highlight international inconsistencies regarding developmental hip dysplasia screening and epidemiologic data. Screening variations exist despite consensus statements calling for uniformity. We agree with prior literature advocating for increasing consistency in developmental hip dysplasia management or, at a minimum, increasing transparency regarding how we manage these young patients.