Hip sonography according to Graf: practical notes for the student, the examiner and the reviewer.

Since the publication of Professor Reinhard Graf's work in 1980, Graf's technique has become the gold standard for screening Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in many European and non-European countries. Despite the fact that it is supported by robust literature evidence, there is criticism about its reliability and reproducibility, questioning severalaspects of the diagnostic procedure. There is, however, concern, based on recent literature, about the quality and reliability of the published data, which may, in many cases, be based on inadequate scans, and therefore any conclusions drawn have to be questioned. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the most important aspects of Graf's technique, to clarify the potential sources of confusion and to flag up the most common errors and mistakes made, either during the ultrasound examination, or during the reporting procedure. Furthermore, this review can be used as a guide for reviewers and editors and should help to enhance the quality control of publications on this subject.

Chondro-osseous border in baby hip ultrasonography for developmental dysplasia of the hip: an indispensable litmus paper for the accuracy of scientific publications.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to use the chondro-osseous border (COB) as an indispensable assessment criterion to evaluate the quality of baby hip ultrasonography (US) images in the literature pertaining to the application of Graf's technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our literature review search yielded 144 articles. Of these, 41 contained images that were stated to be based on the application of Graf's technique. Two reviewers, a radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon, both course instructors for the use of baby hip US for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), independently evaluated the articles to assess the diagnostic validity of the published images on the basis of a single criterion: the identification of the COB. RESULTS: Of the 41 articles which were analyzed, 15 contained images without a COB, which corresponds to 36% (roughly, one out of three). Articles from countries where universal screening is performed (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Mongolia) were all correct. All the articles from Turkey, a country which has made significant contribution with published material about Graf's technique over many years, and most of the articles from China (80%), where Graf's technique has become popular in recent years, contained correct images. CONCLUSION: Published literature lacks strict criteria for the publication of correct images corresponding to Graf's technique in baby hip US. This fact raises concerns about the quality of published material (and, as a corollary, the quality of clinical application of the technique) and should have ramifications on scientific journal policies regarding the publication of such manuscripts.

Four decades of the Graf method in screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (part I): Rightly the gold standard or of dubious benefit?

Introduction: The method of infant hip sonography according to Graf is used for general hip screening in Serbia, Austria, and Germany and is considered the gold standard. In other countries, such as the USA, however, it is not well accepted and is claimed to lead to high costs and overtreatment. The aim of this study was to investigate how many of the mentioned sources in a recent review article contained sonograms that met the quality criteria as taught in Graf's ultrasound courses. Methods: A systematic review published by Sakkers et al. was analyzed in terms of addressing the quality criteria of Graf's method. Studies that were suitable by title, abstract, manuscript, that contained an image of sonographic hip examination, and that were accessible were included into analysis. Results: Within the described review, there were 22 papers on the Graf method. Of these, 10 contained hip sonograms and were applicable for final analysis. The quality criteria according to Graf were not fulfilled within 5 of these 10 papers. Within these papers, there are examples of schematic sonograms that do not correspond with the quality criteria either. Conclusion: Skepticism regarding the Graf method may be based on user errors and insufficient application of the Graf quality assessment algorithm, which results in high intra- and inter-observer variations. Based on these findings, a working group was initiated to evaluate further work according to the same procedure (currently approximately 130 papers).

Four decades of developmental dysplastic hip screening according to Graf: What have we learned?

Purpose: Sonographic hip examination according to Graf is widely accepted standard for diagnosing developmental dysplastic hips (DDH) but it is criticized for alleged intra- and interobserver variations. This review was conducted to evaluate whether objective quality criteria according to the Graf method are fulfilled within scientific literature. Methods: A systematic literature search on Pubmed was performed using the search string: [(DDH) OR (Hip dysplasia)] AND (Graf). Studies suitable by title, abstract, manuscript, containing an image of sonographic hip examination and online accessibility were included into analysis. Results: 131 studies were included into final analysis. Only 68 (51.9%) presented correct sonographic images according Graf's criteria. 98 (74.8%) studies plotted alpha-angles (angle between bony roof line and base line) but only 85 (64.8%) studies beta-angles (angle between cartilage roof line and base line). Studies were contributed from 25 countries. Conclusion: Assumingly, skepticism regarding the Graf method is based on user errors and insufficient application of the Graf quality assessment algorithm resulting in high intra- and interobserver variations. When performed correctly, the Graf method is of high diagnostic value.

International Interdisciplinary Consensus Meeting on the Evaluation of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

In September 2018, an international meeting of doctors of various disciplines, with expertise in the detection and treatment of DDH, was held in Csolyospalos, Hungary. The aim was to achieve consensus on the detection and early treatment of the condition and to develop a standardized system of teaching and training for hip ultrasound. There was strong agreement that US screening is essential. Specifically the Graf technique was selected as the technique of choice. Universal US screening was strongly favored. Screening should be carried out as soon as possible, but not later than the sixth week of age. US screening is cost-effective, does not result in overtreatment, and contributes to a reduction of long-term consequences. The essential principle of treatment is timely application of a device to achieve reduction, retention and maturation, by holding the hips in flexion, and a safe degree of abduction. It was agreed that the effectiveness of any screening policy depends on the correct scanning technique. Therefore, standardization of teaching and training of the Graf technique is mandatory. A unified teaching policy and materials should be developed for this purpose. Certification, re-certification and audit were discussed. The group, which has been formalized as the International Interdisciplinary Consensus Committee On DDH Evaluation (ICODE), will continue to meet and work towards establishing international consensus on DDH, standardizing and developing teaching and training of the Graf technique for hip US, and maintaining standards for detection and management.