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Original article

Vol. 155 No. 8 (2025)

Sensitivity of clinical screening for detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip: a retrospective study

Cite this as:
Swiss Med Wkly. 2025;155:4077
Published
05.08.2025

Summary

BACKGROUND: Detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants is crucial. This study aimed to estimate the sensitivity of clinical screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in a tertiary care setting. We compared clinical findings with ultrasound results to determine diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated newborns aged 0–4 months treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip from May 2017 to June 2023 at a tertiary care centre in Switzerland. All patients underwent clinical examinations and a hip ultrasound scan (Graf method). The sensitivity of clinical findings was calculated, along with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and stratified by developmental dysplasia of the hip severity.

RESULTS: Among 122 newborns, clinical screening demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 66% (95% CI: 58–74%). Sensitivity was higher for unstable hips (91%, 95% CI: 82–99%) than for stable hips (50%, 95% CI: 38–62%). Differences in diagnostic timing were observed between groups.

CONCLUSION: Clinical screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip showed limited sensitivity, particularly for stable cases. Universal ultrasound screening could improve early detection rates.

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