[Considerations on the role of echography in the study of hip dysplasia]

The authors explain the general criteria in performing an ultrasound exam and the pathological finding of congenital dislocation of the hip. They based the study on the screening of 500 patients between the ages of ten days and eight months (2% of which resulted pathological) and on evaluation of 80 cases of dislocated hip not included in the original sample group. The ultrasound test in dislocated hip pathology proved to be superior to traditional x-ray tests for viewing the muscular and cartilaginous elements, obtaining a dynamic view of the anatomical structures and, in particular, studying the morphological aspect and the development of the acetabulum. Thus it is possible diagnose different types of CDH at very early stage. The authors, however, consider an easier classification more useful than the original one suggested by Graf and propose division of the abnormal hip into three pathological types based on clinical, radiological and ultrasound findings: primary sub-luxation or "non-dislocatable" hip; pre-dislocation or "dislocatable" hip; dislocation or "dislocated" hip. This is extremely important in order to better understand and evaluate each singular case and then set up adequate therapy.