Diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted infant hip ultrasound interpretation for developmental dysplasia of the hip: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is the standard imaging test for infant developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) but is highly operator-dependent, leading to variable image quality and classification. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted ultrasound may standardize acquisition and interpretation and support DDH screening beyond specialist centers.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of AI-assisted ultrasound for infant DDH.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and diagnostic test-accuracy meta-analysis of studies enrolling infants (≤12 months) undergoing hip ultrasound, in which the index test was AI applied to two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and the reference standard was expert Graf-based interpretation or follow-up consensus. Risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS-2 (diagnostic accuracy bias tool). Sensitivity and specificity were pooled with a bivariate random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies were eligible; nine provided 2×2 data (6,351 hips) for pooling. Pooled sensitivity was 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.95) and specificity 0.96 (95% CI 0.91-0.98). Risk of bias was frequently high or unclear for patient selection and the index test. Feasibility signals included short operator training times (approx. 1-2 h) and scan acquisition time reductions (approx. 20-50%), while economic reporting was limited.

CONCLUSION

AI-assisted ultrasound demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for infant DDH and may help standardize hip imaging and facilitate safe use by nonexpert operators, but larger multicenter studies with external validation and robust economic evaluation are needed.