Screening for congenital dislocation of the hip: does it fulfil the criteria for mass screening?

This article critically reviews whether screening for congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) fulfils the criteria for mass screening. It further considers clinical and ultrasound examination of the hip as methods of screening. Ultrasound offers a particularly attractive screening adjunct to the clinical examination since it can be performed rapidly, is non-invasive, accessible and avoids exposure to ionising radiation. The role of ultrasound as a primary or secondary screening tool is hence discussed and finally consideration is given to whether a national mass screening programme using ultrasound is appropriate.