Although there is an agreed national protocol for the clinical screening of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) there are no national guidelines for the use of ultrasound to detect this condition. The increased incidence of babies requiring surgery for this condition across the bay has led us to institute a selective screening programme in line with best clinical practice.
This article describes care pathways in primary and hospital care in some detail and will therefore be of direct clinical relevance to the midwive , health visitors, general practitioners, physiotherapists, paediatricians, and orthopaedic surgeons involved in the management of babies at higher risk of DDH. We also outline the physiotherapy and orthopaedic management of children with this condition.
Feedback or suggestions relating to the recently introduced screening programme would be welcomed.
Quality improvement report: Clinical screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in Northern Ireland
