[Transmission sonographic diagnosis of infant hips]

By means of transmission sonography with incoherent ultrasound it is possible to obtain areal cross-section images of infants' hips which are free of interference and demonstrate axes accurately. It is possible to assess the condition of tendons, ligaments, capsular structures, and the bones, and their relative positions. The authors report on experience gathered since 1982 with the instrument developed at the Gesellschaft für Strahlen- und Umweltforschung (Society for Radiation and Environmental Research) in Munich. In addition to a brief description of the unit and an explanation of the examination technique, they discuss criteria of assessment and demonstrate on the basis of sample results that transmission sonographic findings can be assessed reliably in patients up to the age of 9 months. The possible significance of transmission sonography in the diagnosis and observation of congenital dislocation of the hip is discussed.