The role of ultrasound in diagnosing congenital dislocation of the hip.

Abstract

Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) is a condition in which a neonate is born with the head of the femur slightly or completely dislocated from the acetabulum (Clarke, 1992). A clinical examination of the hip is usually performed at birth. The clinical examination includes Ortolani and Barlow manoeuvers. When a dislocation is suspected an ultrasound examination is performed to rule out CDH. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of ultrasound in the management of CDH. From the literature reviewed, ultrasound proved to be the most accurate imaging modality in detecting CDH in the first months of life, when the hip joint is not fully ossified (Weintraub & Grill, 2000). Besides this, ultrasound is also beneficial as it does not expose the neonate to ionizing radiation. However other imaging modalities such as conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used in the management of CDH. Based on the literature reviewed certain recommendations regarding the role of ultrasound in the management of CDH have been put forward.