[Two-dimensional echotomography in the prevention of congenital hip dysplasia]

Examination of the infant hip with real time ultrasonography is spreading and affirming in these last years. It allows accurate and reliable investigation of the anatomic structures which are not visualized on a radiograph, so that it appears of great interest in the early screening of congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH). In this paper, the authors examine and discuss some particular features of the sonograms which are usually employed for the investigation of neonatal hips, attempting to dissolve some doubts and perplexities which commonly come out in the first approach to a new diagnostic image technique. The systematic examination of infant hips with real time ultrasonography promises a decisive improvement in the problem of the early diagnosis of CDH.