Ultrasonography in congenital dysplasia and immature hip in infants

The authors report aabout the possibilities to evaluate correct and early diagnosis by ultrasonogtaphic technique in congenital infant hip dysplasia. The authors report the data concerning 4666 infant hips studied by clinical and US exam during the years 1990-1991. The cases have been divided according to the age of patients into three groups: in the first group infants less than 1 month old, in the II group infants one to 3 months old, and in the III group infants 3 months old and over. The use of subdivisions according to age allows higher statistical incidence of dysplasia and immature hip. The newborns and infants included in this study were at their first US exam, had not an instrumental diagnosis of dysplasia and were not orthopaedic treatment. Treatment with different types of devices were made in patients with US diagnosis of dysplasia or immature hip, according to the type of dysplasia and age of patient. It has been observed, according to attendace, in the I group of age an high incidence of immature hip (38% vs 13 in II group and 2% in III group) and dysplasia (3% vs 0,07% and 0,13% in others groups). US is replacing conventional X-ray as primary method for the diagnosis of dysplasia and thereby, the evaluation of its treatment. The US exam being harmless for the patient, simple to perform, non-invasive, and economical, make then attractive early diagnostic tools for screening infant congenital hip dysplasia. With early diagnosis, it is possible to begin immediate treatmet of congenital dysplasia, resulting a quick resolution of pathological hip disorders. To achieve these results, it is necessary that the orthopaedic surgeon conduct an US exam.