EVALUATION OF RESULTS OF AN ORTHOPAEDIC SCREENING PROGRAM OF 15.000 NEWBORNS

Abstract

Introduction: Developmental dysplasia of the hip, pes equinovarus, torticollis, and brachial plexus palsy are the orthopaedic disorders causing important organic, psychological and socioeconomic problems unless they are treated or recognized as possible as early. In this study, our goal was to stress the importance of a newborn ortopaedic screen program to define the pathologies as early as possible and to start the treatment immediately. With this study, we also aimed to compare our results with the others in the literature.
Patients and methods: Between the years of 1993-1996, in our clinic of S.S.K.Tepecik Hospital 1st Orthopaedic and Traumatology, we evaluated orthopaedic pathologies of the first 15.000 newborns who were examined in S.S.K. Ege Obstetrics and Gynecology center. At the first week of their life, we repeated examination of the newborns who were with proven pathologies and who had a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Their advanced investigation and treatment were performed.
Results: The pathologies defined in our screen program were as follows: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) 73 (0.5%), pes equinovarus 152 (1%) (0.3% congenital-0.7% postural), postural pes calcaneovalgus 74 (0.5%), polydactyly 9 (0.06%), syndactily 6 (0.04%), torticollis 19 (0.12%), arthrogryposis 1 (0.006%), postural metatarsus adductus 1 (0.006%), brachial plexus palsy 31 (0.2%), clavicula fractures 29 (0.2%).
Discussion: As a result, of this study, we aimed to stress the importance of a newborn orthopaedic screen program to be successful in the treatment of newborn problems by defining the pathologies as early as possible and by applying a good meticulous follow-up program. Also with this study, we will be able to find out the epidemyological map of our population and understand the problems better by comparing the results in the literature.