Hip Dysplasia refers to a variety of hip problems of childhood ranging from slight underdevelopment of the hip socket to complete dislocation of the newborn hip joint.Dysplasia is the result of poor development of the hip beginning well before the child’s birth. Problems are seen more frequently in breech births, first-born children, and in girls. Because these problems are completely painless in early childhood, pediatricians and family physicians examine each newborn and infant for signs of hip instability.

Hip dysplasia, when diagnosed shortly after birth, can be treated with bracing alone. If diagnosis is delayed until walking age, when limping becomes obvious, surgery is almost always needed.

Conventional x-rays are of little value in evaluating newborn hips; the “ball” of the child’s hip does not become visible on x-rays until they are about six months old. Parents are also concerned about radiation exposure, however small, for their children.

Diagnostic Ultrasound is the imaging method of choice for infant hip dysplasia under the age of four months. The sound waves can image the ball-and-socket in real-time without the need for ionizing radiation. Our Pediatric Orthopaedic Physicians have been performing this test in our offices for over ten years, both to confirm diagnosis and to monitor response to treatment.