[Echography of the hip and other imaging techniques in pediatrics]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Medical Imaging
• Radiology

Background:

• Congenital hip dysplasia diagnosis presents daily challenges in pediatrics.
• The coronal plane ultrasound (US) of the hip is the established gold standard for evaluation.
• Standardized reporting and terminology are crucial for consistent interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize hip ultrasound evaluation based on the 1991 Paris consensus meeting.
• To define the role of US in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of hip anomalies in collaboration with pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
• To outline the benefits of US for painful pediatric hip conditions, including osteoarthritis and synovitis.

Main Methods:

• Describing the technique, and morphologic and dynamic results of coronal plane hip US.
• Discussing the complementary roles of arthrography and MR imaging.
• Comparing US findings with radiography, CT, MR imaging, and bone scans for painful hips.

Main Results:

• A standardized report and simple terminology for hip US are proposed.
• Ultrasound demonstrates efficacy in diagnosing congenital hip anomalies.
• Ultrasound is beneficial in evaluating painful pediatric hips, aiding differential diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Standardized ultrasound protocols enhance the diagnosis and management of hip conditions in children.
• Close collaboration between radiologists and pediatric orthopedic surgeons optimizes ultrasound's utility.
• Ultrasound serves as a valuable tool for both congenital hip dysplasia and acquired painful hip conditions in pediatric patients.