Abstract

Neonatal Sonographic Hip Screening for Developmental Dysplasia of Hips

Ultrasound screening is recommended for newborn babies in many countries to rule out Developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) as it is more sensitive and specific compared to clinical examination. The purpose of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of neonatal hips in our region and highlight the magnitude of DDH as there is lack of local literature on this subject. We evaluated 132 hips newborns referred to our department using Graf static method of alpha and beta angle measurement and classification. The data collected was statistically correlated. Mean age was 1.5 days. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean alpha and beta angles of right and left side of hips or between male and female babies. The predominant hip type in both genders and on both sides was Graf Ia (75% of right and 69.9% left sided hips) followed by IIa. Although the vast majority of babies had normal or physiologically immature hips, a small number of children had abnormal hips requiring treatment. In order to diagnose the highest possible number of cases, we recommend further large scale studies targeting our population on the basis of which universal or selective screening programs for a wider clinical application could be based.

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