ECAD study: Evaluating agreement degree among paediatricians in hip dysplasia assessment by the Graf ultrasound method.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal anomaly of childhood. This study analyses paediatrician's concordance performing hip ultrasound according to Graf's method. An analytical cross-sectional study is designed. Patients' hips are evaluated by Graf's ultrasound method at 4-6 and 12-16 weeks of age. Demographic characteristics, pregnancy history, factors related to DDH, hip type, and α and β angles are collected. To assess the agreement degree of hip diagnosis and hip types Kappa index (I. kappa) is used. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evaluates the concordance of α and β angles. A p value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. All results are represented with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Four hundred sixty-seven neonates are recruited and meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 3182 images were analysed. Agreement between paediatricians according to hip diagnosis and different types ranges from moderate to almost perfect I. kappa 0.6-1.0 (95% CI 0.5-0.7; 95% CI 1.0-1.0). α angle ICC for paediatricians is between 0.75 and 0.88 (95% CI 0.61-0.86; 95% CI 0.80-0.92). β angle value agreement degree among paediatricians at both visits is moderate. The Graf method is the most popular ultrasound technique for hip assessment. In our setting, paediatricians carry out children follow-up; therefore, they should perform universal screening. In this study agreement degree between paediatricians varies between substantial and almost perfect. Conclusion: The Graf ultrasound procedure performed by paediatricians is a reliable test and can be used for DDH screening. What is Known • Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common congenital musculoskeletal anomaly of childhood. Early diagnosis and treatment improve DDH prognosis. Lack of detection can cause complications such as lameness, early osteoarthritis and need for hip replacement at an early age. What is New • Today, the best screening method is still subject of debate. But it seems that with selective screening many pathological hips go unnoticed. Universal screening implementation may be a challenge in some countries. But the question is if this could be carried out by paediatricians as part of healthy child follow-up.