About this procedure
Infant hip ultrasound uses sound waves to examine developing hip joints while many structures remain cartilaginous. It is commonly used when developmental dysplasia of the hip is suspected or risk factors are present.
What this topic means
A hip problem can be difficult to recognise from appearance alone. Abnormal examination, breech positioning and family history may influence the decision to image, but local screening approaches and individual circumstances differ.
When to seek medical advice
Reduced hip abduction, asymmetric leg movement or an examination concern may lead to imaging. Unequal skin folds alone do not establish dysplasia. Follow the paediatrician's and paediatric orthopaedist's assessment even when the baby seems comfortable.
Options and limitations
Very early scans can show physiological immaturity, while increasing bone formation in older infants may limit ultrasound and make radiography more useful. The appropriate time and method are chosen clinically rather than by a universal age rule.
Assessment and preparation
The child is positioned appropriately and a probe with gel is placed over the hip. The examiner describes joint shape and alignment; measurements are interpreted with the infant's age and physical examination instead of as isolated numbers.
Treatment, risks and follow-up
Hip ultrasound is not treatment for dysplasia. If a disorder is confirmed, a paediatric orthopaedist decides about observation, repeat imaging or orthopaedic management. Do not start braces or devices based only on a report without clinical advice.
When urgent help is needed
Severe sudden hip or leg pain, inability to move a limb, fever or rapid worsening in a child requires urgent medical assessment rather than routine dysplasia screening. Call 103/112 for serious deterioration or altered consciousness.
Related information
Cranial ultrasound in infants (neurosonography); Joint and soft tissue ultrasound.
Signs and symptoms
Reduced hip abduction, asymmetric leg movement or an examination concern may lead to imaging. Unequal skin folds alone do not establish dysplasia. Follow the paediatrician's and paediatric orthopaedist's assessment even when the baby seems comfortable.
Diagnosis and tests
The child is positioned appropriately and a probe with gel is placed over the hip. The examiner describes joint shape and alignment; measurements are interpreted with the infant's age and physical examination instead of as isolated numbers.
Care and treatment approaches
Hip ultrasound is not treatment for dysplasia. If a disorder is confirmed, a paediatric orthopaedist decides about observation, repeat imaging or orthopaedic management. Do not start braces or devices based only on a report without clinical advice.
When to seek urgent care
Severe sudden hip or leg pain, inability to move a limb, fever or rapid worsening in a child requires urgent medical assessment rather than routine dysplasia screening. Call 103/112 for serious deterioration or altered consciousness.
Frequently asked questions
Does every baby need hip ultrasound?
The decision depends on screening policy, physical examination and risk factors; identical testing for all babies is not a universal rule.
Can the scan be done just after birth?
Early findings can reflect normal immaturity. A clinician selects timing based on the risk and examination.
Why might an older infant need an X-ray instead?
As the hip bones ossify, ultrasound becomes less informative and radiography may better answer the clinical question.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
