Abstract
In a four-year retrospective study, we assessed the use of ultrasonography in diagnosing hip dysplasia in 86 high-risk babies. Dysplasia was graded on the Harcke classification.
Risk factors included breach presentation, positive family history, foot abnormalities, caesarean section and genu recurvatum. If the ultrasonography at birth showed abnormalities, follow-up ultrasonography was done at three and six weeks. If there were abnormal findings at six weeks, the patient entered the treatment protocol. Whether or not ultrasonography showed abnormalities at six weeks, the acetabular index was measured radiologically at 12 weeks.
There were 17 Harcke-III hips, 30 Harcke-IV hips and four Harcke-V hips. The Harcke-V hips were treated in a Pavlik splint from birth. Three babies underwent closed reduction at 12 weeks, followed by application of a spica cast. At six weeks, 10 of the Harcke-IV hips and 12 of the 17 Harcke-lll hips were normal. The mean acetabular index at 12 weeks was 28°.
Ultrasonography provides an effective way of screening for hips at risk and the efficacy of treatment can easily be measured.
The abstracts were edited by Prof. M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 South Africa
