[Possibilities, problems and present status of hip sonography of infant hips]

The author reports on hip-joint examinations in 16 000 infants, using sonography (age: 1 day up to 12-15 months). Particular attention is given to the classification of disturbances of maturation of the hip joint described. The use of angles and the possibility of making mistakes during measurement are demonstrated. The ultrasonographic traces are compared with X-rays to demonstrate the accuracy of ultrasonic investigation of infant hip joints. Determination of hip-joint maturity using the "sonometer" is described.