ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND DEVELOPMENTAL DYSPLASIA OF THE HIP - A COST-BENEFIT-ANALYSIS OF 3 DELIVERY SYSTEMS

The role of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis and management of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH) is becoming widely acc epted. In our community, there exist three delivery systems for US-DDH : the radiology based, the combined radiology/orthopaedic based, and t he orthopaedic office based. This study reviewed the costs and benefit s of each delivery system and found that once expertise had been gaine d and start-up costs were met, the orthopaedic office-based system was the most convenient, efficient, and cost effective for the patient/fa mily and treating physicians. This mirrors the experience of cardiolog ists, obstetricians, and family practitioners, fields in which the uti lity of office-based ultrasonography is widely recognized and has beco me the standard.