Ultrasonographic evaluation of congenital dislocation of the knee

The authors describe ultrasonographic findings in a newborn girl with congenital dislocation of the knee (CDK). Ultrasonography showed a hyperechoic area and focal narrowing of the distal quadriceps as compared to the unaffected contralateral side, indicating the presence of fibrosis, which is the main pathologic feature of congenital dislocation of the knee. The hyperechoic area decreased after reduction of the dislocation and with patient growth. Ultrasonography was useful in evaluating CDK because it provided a direct view of the pathologic lesion, was painless, and did not involve exposure to X-rays. Further, we were able to serially evaluate the abnormal findings and provide advice regarding daily activity to the parents of the patient with CDK.