Economic evaluation of neonatal screening for congenital dislocation of the hip.

A study was undertaken to determine the cost benefit of neonatal screening for dislocatable and subluxable hips. As a follow-up to retrospective and prospective studies that established the safety and efficacy of early treatment to the newborn, this study discusses the direct and significant economic benefit of a neonatal hip screening program to the participating institutions. British Columbia's Grace and Children's Hospitals experienced an economic benefit of $15,143.71 (Canadian) per 1,000 infants screened.