Hip sonographic screening in the context of the German early detection programme for children (U3) - First experiences

Objective: After introduction of hip sonographic screening in Germany in th e year 1996 we are interested in its organisational features and the result s on a national level. It has to be scrutinized in how far the medical cons equences are oriented and in accordance with the national guideline of hip sonographic screening. Methods: Our study includes all 191.000 documentation sheets of hip sonogra phic screening in the year of 1996 in Germany. Results: In the year 1996 pediatricians were responsible of 70% of all hip sonographic screening which were performed on the 36. day (median). About 8 0% of the examined infants showed alpha-angles > 56 Grad, about 1,7% only r eached <51 Grad. 27% of all cases were recommended a second sonographic exa mination and 7,7% should get a therapy. For 73% of all examined infants the consequences were compatible with the national guidelines for hip sonograp hy screening. Orthopaedists more often showed deviations than other profess ional groups. Consequences: There is the case for a more binding consensus regarding the adequate consequences in the cases of sonographic alpha-ankles between 51 t o 56 degrees. In the light of an unexpected high proportion of infants with therapy recommendations there is to establish an informational feedback wh ich covers results from the monitoring of the hip sonographic screening as well as results from the national outcome study.