Developmental Hip Dysplasia: Neonatal Screening Strategies and Diagnostic Errors. A Systematic Review of the Scientific Evidence (2020–2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/mxmab622Keywords:
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip,” “DDH screening,” “hip ultrasonography,” “diagnostic errors,” “developmental dysplasia of the hip screening,” “hip dysplasia screening,” and “diagnostic errors in DDHAbstract
Developmental hip dysplasia (DHD) is the most significant orthopedic condition in childhood and is one of the causes of musculoskeletal disability when diagnosis is delayed. The objective of this review was to analyze recent scientific evidence on neonatal screening strategies and the main diagnostic errors associated with DHD. A systematic review of the scientific evidence was conducted following the recommendations established by the PRISMA flowchart; the main objective was to identify, analyze, and establish the best available recommendations regarding DDH. To this end, a search was conducted for the best scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025 in specialized databases and clinical guidelines. After applying the previously defined selection criteria, 15 studies that met the established methodological requirements were included. The analyzed findings suggest that universal ultrasound screening programs may promote the early identification of cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and reduce the frequency of late diagnoses, as well as the need for surgical interventions, compared with strategies based solely on the selection of patients with risk factors. Furthermore, the most common diagnostic errors were related to an inadequate neonatal physical examination, incorrect interpretation of hip ultrasound, and deficiencies in the clinical and ultrasound follow-up of infants with risk factors—factors that increase the likelihood of late diagnosis and functional complications.
However, controversies persist regarding the implementation of universal screening, primarily due to inequalities in the availability of resources and in the cost-effectiveness of different health care systems. It is concluded that early detection through standardized screening protocols, along with adequate training of healthcare personnel and timely follow-up of at-risk patients, constitutes the most effective strategy for reducing complications and improving the functional prognosis of children with DDC.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Silvia Carolina Villacres Gavilanes, Jacqueline Estefanía Alarcón Herrera, Lissette Alejandra Tisalema Laura, John Alexander Rueda Ruiz (Autor/a)
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