Objective:

We analyzed the results of hip ultrasonography we performed on all newborns in our institution, and tried to to compare our results with the literature, and to take attention to the subject.

Material and Methods:

All newborns included in the screening program were evaluated by sonograms of their hip joints and physical examination. Parents were informed about developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). Hip Ultrasonography Registration Forms recommended by Pediatric Orthopedics Society, were filled. Static hip ultrasonography, introduced by Graf, were done to all babies. Ortolani and Barlow’s tests were applied and abduction restriction, Allis’ sign and pilli asymetry were sought. We verified our data with late term re-evaluations of the patients.

Results:

120 hips of 60 babies (29 male, 31 female) were included in the study. Physical evaluation did not reveal any pathologic finding. The mean duration of the ultrasonographic examinations was 3.5 minutes. The mean maternal age was 25 (range, 19-38) years. Positive familial history, and evidence of swaddling were found in 3 % of the newborns. The mean gestational period was 38.5 (range, 35- 40) months. The mean age of the babies examined by US was 20 (range, 1-153) days. Ultrasonographically, all hips were found to be type 1b. After a 4.5 year average follow-up there were no pathology in any hips as assessed by clinical and radiological evaluations.

Conclusion:

Hip ultrasonography and physical examination are the most reliable methods in the early diagnosis of DDH. The most ideal method is US screening of all newborns. In our country, because of its costs, at least, newborns under risk and those with positive physical findings must be evaluated by ultrasonography.

Keywords: Newborn, hip, ultrasonography, screening