ULTRASOUND EVALUATION OF HIP JOINT IN NEWBORN WITH HIP CLICK AS SCREENING FOR HIP DYSPLASIA

Abstract

Developmental dysplasia of the hip joint is spectrum of anatomical abnormalities of the
hip joint, in which the femoral head has an abnormal relationship with the acetabulum.
The study conducted to correlate between hip click and its ultrasound finding, as a
screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip joint. A prospective study included 40
infants, age ranging from 3 to 17 weeks of age, during the period from January 2019 to
December 2019 at Misurata Medical Center. Coronal ultrasound views obtained for
both hips, alpha and beta angles were measured, then the degree of joint stability were
evaluated by Graf’s criteria. Among the 40 referred infants with hip click, 12 infants
show positive ultrasound results (Graff classification rather than type I) four of the
positive infants had other risk factors. Eight infants had hip click as isolated risk factor.
The study shows that, the presence of hip click can be considered as an important
indicator for developing developmental dysplasia of the hip, and underscores the
importance of early detection and intervention. It is strongly recommended that, infants
with isolated hip click should undergo ultrasound screening or be referred to an
orthopedic specialist for further evaluation particularly when associated with other risk
factors.