Ultrasonographic study of the hip joint in infants

We performed ultrasonography screening for the hip joint in 145 infants between January 2003 and January 2004 at Nakajo-machi in Niigata Prefecture. This ultrasonographic study was conducted by Graf's method. The method could discriminate normal hip joints and was able to visualize 11 abnormal hip joints as well. All abnormal hip joints were dysplastic. This method is more useful than x-ray examination for infants, since the cartilaginous femoral head and the soft tissues around the hip could be clearly visualized. As a result, ultrasonography appears to be a useful screening method for congenital dislocation of the hip joint, without the hazard of radiation caused by x-rays.