Ultrasonographic screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip: an epidemiologic analysis (Part I).

Ultrasonography offers distinct advantages in the imaging of the neonatal hip and has proved useful in the diagnosis and management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, its role as a screening tool for DDH remains controversial. The purpose of this article is to critically assess ultrasonographic screening of DDH from an epidemiologic viewpoint, considering aspects of the disease to be screened and characteristics of the screening tool, while evaluating screening efficacy and feasibility.