Hip sonography

Detecting and treating hip maturation disorders

Ultrasound, developed by Prof. Dr. Graf, has been the best method for optimally detecting hip maturation disorders in newborns and infants since the 1980s. Unlike X-ray examinations, which expose the patient to radiation, ultrasound can detect hip maturation disorders as early as the first day after birth. Early treatment is the key to a healthy hip joint.

The examination is painless for the children. To simplify the examination, the children are placed on their sides in a special splint. This makes it easier to find the standardized ultrasound setting.

In milder forms of hip maturation disorders, it is usually sufficient to consistently wrap the child in a wide diaper. This can be achieved with a muslin diaper placed over the regular diaper, a wide insert under the bodysuit, or simply a second disposable diaper over the first. Abduction pushes the femoral head deeper into the socket, relieving pressure on the upper and anterior rim of the socket. This allows the socket to mature into a healthy shape.

If the changes are more severe, our practice uses special braces for treatment. These allow for defined abduction and simultaneous flexion of the hip joints. This allows the femoral heads to be optimally positioned in the socket, ensuring the fastest possible healing.