SHINE-2: Screening the hips in newborns. The use of an acoustic device to identify developmental hip dysplasia in babies

ISRCTN ISRCTN10735430
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10735430
IRAS number 324933
Secondary identifying numbers UoL001742, IRAS 324933, CPMS 56359
Submission date
20/08/2024
Registration date
22/08/2024
Last edited
10/09/2024
Recruitment status
Recruiting
Overall study status
Ongoing
Condition category
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition that affects the hip joint in babies. In severe cases, the hip can be dislocated, and in milder cases, the hip may not develop properly. DDH is a common cause of hip problems later in life, including osteoarthritis, and can lead to hip replacements, especially in people under 60. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, which may involve a simple splint if caught early in infancy.

In the UK, DDH is currently screened through a combination of physical examinations and selective ultrasound scans. However, physical exams are not always accurate, and as a result, about two out of three hip dislocations might be missed. An alternative method used in some European countries involves screening all babies with ultrasound, but this approach is expensive and often gives false positives.

The SHINE2 study aims to improve how we screen for DDH by developing a new tool that uses sound to detect hip problems in infants. The goal is to create a simple, safe, and cost-effective screening method that can be easily used by healthcare professionals with minimal training.

Who can participate?
Babies under 3 months old who are already scheduled for hip screening as part of the national screening program can participate in this study.

What does the study involve?
For babies participating in the study, the researchers will use the new sound-based screening tool in addition to the standard screening methods. This will help refine the tool and assess its effectiveness. The process is non-invasive and should not cause any discomfort to the babies.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There is no direct benefit to research participants however patients often welcome participating in a study that could benefit others with the same condition.
The safety of participants, parents and staff is of paramount importance. Prior to use, electrical safety will be assured with an electronic Portable Appliance Test (‘PAT-test’). The sounds used will be well within the recommended safety thresholds for new born babies, which advise 1) the hourly Leq should not exceed 50 dB; 2) the hourly L should not exceed 55 dB; 3) the 1 s Lmax should not exceed 70 dB. The vibration experienced will be akin to placing a headphone playing music against the infant’s skin, with another headphone a specified distance away also against the skin listening for the sound transmitted. As far as possible, the device has been assembled from commercially available units, which have individually been certified by their manufacturers for sale. It comprises a USB-audio interface, an amplifier and associated wiring, running from a 240v mains supply. All the units are housed in a protective case rated to IP67, which provides an extra means of operator protection and prevents access to any of the internal units. The device is controlled by a standard Windows PC connected via USB. There are two attached parts which come into contact with the patient: the emitter and the detector. Both are housed in plastic enclosures which do not allow contact with internal components. The detector is purely passive. The emitter contains a commercial bone transducer which is powered by the amplifier. The amplifier can supply a maximum of 1.5A/12V. It generates a signal in the audible range 20-20000Hz. Sound level measurements have not been conducted but the audio volume is low in practice. We will carry out in-house electrical safety testing to EN 60601-1 1 “Medical electrical equipment — Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance”.

Where is the study run from?
University of Liverpool (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
August 2023 to August 2025

Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Professor Daniel Perry, danperry@liverpool.ac.uk.

Contact information

Prof Daniel Perry
Public, Scientific, Principal Investigator

University of Liverpool, Institute of translational Medicine, 4th Floor, Alder Hey Children's NHS FT
Liverpool
L12 2AP
United Kingdom

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0001-8420-8252
Email danperry@liverpool.ac.uk

Study information

Study designBasic Science involving procedures with human participants
Primary study designOther
Secondary study design
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeOther
Participant information sheet 45974 SHINE_PIS_v2.0_14.06.2023.pdf
Scientific titleSHINE-2: Screening the Hips in Newborns. The use of an acoustic device to identify developmental hip dysplasia in babies
Study acronymSHINE-2
Study objectivesUsing developments in sensor technologies, we have experimented with acoustic sensors and sound transmission across joints. Through our previous project SHINE, we worked in the laboratory to develop the concept and refine the optimal means of sound transmission and detection though bone, along with optimal sound frequency (TRL1/2). We then developed a poof-of-concept device that could identify gaps within bone
continuity (TRL3). We then worked on this proof-of-concept in the laboratory and in the hospital environment; where we tested in on the hips of 150 babies. Through this, we were able to make refinements to the device, clarify the optimal means of device application and the optimal position of the baby. We were able to demonstrate signals of effectiveness.
However, the proof-of-concept has challenges to overcome, which include:
• Ensuring the device can be used by a single clinical user.
• Interpreting the signal to a meaningful output for the user
Ethics approval(s)

Approved 26/06/2023, Health and Social Care Research Ethics Committee A (HSC REC A) (Business Services Organisation, Unit 4, Lissue Industrial Estate West, Rathdown Walk, Lisburn, BT28 2RF, United Kingdom; +44 28 9536 1400; RECA@hscni.net), ref: 23/NI/0066

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
InterventionThe assessment will involve an additional examination during routine ultrasound, which is being undertaken as part of the national selective screening program. In addition to the ultrasound examination, the child will have the prototype device applied (i.e. an external excitatory acoustic signal will be generated from an acoustic device that is placed on the knee. An external microphone will ‘listen’ and interpret the transmission of the acoustic signal across the hip, and any echoed back to the knee.
Intervention typeDevice
Pharmaceutical study type(s)Not Applicable
PhaseNot Applicable
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)SHINE sensor - A novel device to enhance the detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in babies through specific audible tones and/or the transmission of vibration across the hip joint.
Primary outcome measureThe sensitivity and specificity of the acoustic tool in the detection of DDH of the hip. The assessment will involve an additional examination during routine ultrasound, which being is undertaken as part of the national selective screening program. In addition to the ultrasound examination, the child will have the prototype device applied (i.e. an external excitatory acoustic signal will be generated from an acoustic device that is placed on the knee. An external microphone will ‘listen’ and interpret the transmission of the acoustic signal across the hip, and any echoed back to the knee).
Secondary outcome measuresThere are no secondary outcome measures
Overall study start date17/08/2023
Completion date31/08/2025

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupChild
Lower age limit0 Months
Upper age limit3 Months
SexBoth
Target number of participants150
Key inclusion criteriaMale and females under 3 months old meeting the criteria for hip screening as part of the national screening program
Key exclusion criteriaChildren with joint contractures preventing normal body positioning during the routine neonatal examination (i.e. knee dislocation, arthrogryposis etc).
Date of first enrolment05/10/2023
Date of final enrolment31/08/2025

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust
Eaton Road
Liverpool
L14 5AB
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

University of Liverpool
University/education

4th Floor Thompson Yates Building, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
University of Liverpool
Liverpool
L69 3GB
England
United Kingdom

Phone +44 7717863747
Email sponsor@liverpool.ac.uk
Website http://www.liv.ac.uk/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/04xs57h96

Funders

Funder type

University/education

University of Liverpool
Government organisation / Universities (academic only)
Alternative name(s)
The University of Liverpool, 利物浦大学, Universidad de Liverpool, UoL
Location
United Kingdom
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Private sector organisation / Trusts, charities, foundations (both public and private)
Alternative name(s)
Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Location
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date31/08/2026
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot expected to be made available
Publication and dissemination planMaterial for dissemination will be developed in conjunction with the patient panel, the NIHR CRN: Children ‘Young Peoples Advisory Group’ and STEPS Worldwide.
STEPS have agreed to communicate the outcomes of the research via their newsletter, website and information packages. For the wider public it is planned that the INVOLVE national advisory group will be an important liaison throughout, with dissemination adhering to the ‘make it clear’ guidance
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are not expected to be made available as no suitable register exists.

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Participant information sheet version 2.0 14/06/2023 21/08/2024 No Yes
Protocol file version 1.0 13/03/2023 21/08/2024 No No

Additional files

45974 SHINE 2_protocol v1.0 13.03.23_clean.pdf
45974 SHINE_PIS_v2.0_14.06.2023.pdf

Editorial Notes

10/09/2024: Internal review.
20/08/2024: Trial's existence confirmed by Health and Social Care Research Ethics Committee A (HSC REC A).