Ultrasound of the hips: the diagnostic method of choice in the screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip

Abstract:

Ultrasound and clinical examination are today’s methods to diagnose developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) primarily, followed by radiologic diagnostic, arthrography, computerized tomography scan (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound diagnostic is a method which meets the default screening criteria. The Graf`s method is most appropriate for DDH screening as all types of DDH can be detected, and there are no false positive or false negative results at the earliest age of the child. In addition to the ultrasonic diagnostics in the DDH screening, also clinical examination of the hips has a significant role. More effective and efficient clinical examination sensitivity and selectivity are achieved by training examiners for the instability and mobility of the neonatal hips. Based on many years of experience, the implementation of an earlier non-selective combined screening, ultrasound and clinical examination is the most effective way of early detection of DDH. 

Key words:
DDH; diagnostic imaging; screening