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Developmental Dysplasia of the Pediatric Hip with Emphasis on Sonographic Evaluation
Leslie E. Grissom1, H. Theodore Harke
1Department of Medical Imaging, A. I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware.
Insights
Developmental dislocation and/or dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is common in infants. Ultrasound imaging effectively assesses hip joint cartilage, offering a radiation-free alternative to X-rays for early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Medical imaging
- Neonatal care
Background:
- Developmental dislocation and/or dysplasia of the hip (DDH), previously known as congenital hip dislocation, is a prevalent neonatal and infant hip condition.
- The cartilaginous femoral head and acetabulum in infants are not visible on plain radiography.
- Early detection and management are crucial for optimal outcomes in DDH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of ultrasound in evaluating infantile hip joint abnormalities.
- To present ultrasound as a viable alternative to radiography for assessing DDH.
- To emphasize the reduction in radiation exposure for infants undergoing hip evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Realtime sonography is employed to visualize the cartilaginous hip structures.
- Ultrasound allows for dynamic assessment of the hip joint in multiple planes.
- The technique evaluates the hip both at rest and during movement.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound readily identifies the cartilaginous components of the femoral head and acetabulum.
- Sonography provides comprehensive assessment of hip joint stability and morphology.
- This imaging modality can effectively replace radiographic studies in young infants.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound is a highly effective tool for diagnosing developmental dislocation and/or dysplasia of the hip in neonates and infants.
- Realtime sonography offers a safe, radiation-free method for evaluating the infant hip.
- Implementing ultrasound can significantly reduce radiation exposure in pediatric imaging.
Abstract:
Developmental dislocation and/or dysplasia of the hip (DDH), formerly referred to as congenital dislocation of the hip, is a frequent problem of the neonatal and infant hip. At that age, the femoral head and acetabulum consist of cartilage components that are not visible on plain radiography but readily identified by ultrasound. Realtime sonography allows for assessment of the hip in multiple planes, both at rest and with movement. Ultrasound can replace radiographic studies and thereby reduce radiation exposure to the young infant.