Hip Ultrasounds: Where do We Go from Here?

In this issue of The Journal, von Kries et al¹ have addressed one of the more controversial questions in the care of pediatric orthopedic patients. Many have attempted to balance the value of early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip with the cost of screening and the direct and indirect costs of intervention. Some have questioned the improvement in outcomes from orthopedic interventions for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Absence of conclusive evidence that ultrasound screening of newborns is helpful does not translate to evidence of absence of any value for screening newborns for hip dysplasia.