Orthopädiezentrum Wien - Kinderfüße

Infant hip ultrasound

The development of the hip is not yet complete at birth. In about four percent of newborns, there may be a maturation disorder of the hip in which the hip socket is formed too small, so that the femoral head is only inadequately covered. Or the angular alignment of the hip joint can sometimes cause problems.

Why is the examination important?

The development of the hip is not yet fully complete at birth. In about 4% of newborns, there is a maturation disorder of the hip.

Possible abnormalities include, for example:

• a hip dysplasia – the hip socket is not yet sufficiently developed
• a hip dislocation – the femoral head is not correctly positioned in the hip socket
• a altered angular position of the hip joint

If such a change is detected early, treatment can usually be very simple.

Hip ultrasound in the Mother-Child Pass

In Austria, hip ultrasound is an integral part of preventive examinations.
The Mother-Child Passport provides for:

• a first examination in the first week of life
• a follow-up examination at the age of 6 to 8 weeks

These examinations serve to assess the development of the hip joint at an early stage.

Advantages of the ultrasound examination

Hip ultrasound is especially suitable for infants.

• painless examination
• no radiation exposure
• can be repeated as often as needed for follow-up monitoring
• early assessment of hip development

With the help of ultrasound, the shape and maturity of the hip joint can be accurately assessed.

Detected early – well treatable

If hip dysplasia is diagnosed early, the development of the hip joint can be specifically supported.

• treatment begins early
• the duration of treatment is usually shorter
• surgical procedures can often be avoided

In most cases, consistent treatment leads to complete healing.

Important: Early diagnosis

The most important prerequisite for successful treatment is an early and accurate diagnosis. Hip ultrasound enables a reliable assessment of hip development already in the first weeks of life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Infant Hip Ultrasound

No. The examination is completely painless and is not stressful for your baby. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is therefore particularly well suited for infants.

In the Mother-Child Pass, two examinations are scheduled:

• a first examination in the first week of life
• a check-up at the age of 6 to 8 weeks

These appointments help to assess the development of the hip at an early stage.

A newborn’s hip is not yet fully developed at birth. Hip ultrasound can detect possible developmental abnormalities early, so that treatment can begin in a timely manner.

If hip dysplasia is detected early, the development of the hip joint can be specifically supported. In many cases, a simple treatment is sufficient to allow the hip to mature fully.

The examination usually only takes a few minutes. Your baby lies comfortably on an examination table while the hip joint is examined using ultrasound.


 

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Orthopädiezentrum Wien - Kinderfüße

Infant hip ultrasound

The development of the hip is not yet complete at birth. In about four percent of newborns, there may be a maturation disorder of the hip in which the hip socket is formed too small, so that the femoral head is only inadequately covered. Or the angular alignment of the hip joint can sometimes cause problems.

Why is the examination important?

The development of the hip is not yet fully complete at birth. In about 4% of newborns, there is a maturation disorder of the hip.

Possible abnormalities include, for example:

• a hip dysplasia – the hip socket is not yet sufficiently developed
• a hip dislocation – the femoral head is not correctly positioned in the hip socket
• a altered angular position of the hip joint

If such a change is detected early, treatment can usually be very simple.

Hip ultrasound in the Mother-Child Pass

In Austria, hip ultrasound is an integral part of preventive examinations.
The Mother-Child Passport provides for:

• a first examination in the first week of life
• a follow-up examination at the age of 6 to 8 weeks

These examinations serve to assess the development of the hip joint at an early stage.

Advantages of the ultrasound examination

Hip ultrasound is especially suitable for infants.

• painless examination
• no radiation exposure
• can be repeated as often as needed for follow-up monitoring
• early assessment of hip development

With the help of ultrasound, the shape and maturity of the hip joint can be accurately assessed.

Detected early – well treatable

If hip dysplasia is diagnosed early, the development of the hip joint can be specifically supported.

• treatment begins early
• the duration of treatment is usually shorter
• surgical procedures can often be avoided

In most cases, consistent treatment leads to complete healing.

Important: Early diagnosis

The most important prerequisite for successful treatment is an early and accurate diagnosis. Hip ultrasound enables a reliable assessment of hip development already in the first weeks of life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Infant Hip Ultrasound

No. The examination is completely painless and is not stressful for your baby. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is therefore particularly well suited for infants.

In the Mother-Child Pass, two examinations are scheduled:

• a first examination in the first week of life
• a check-up at the age of 6 to 8 weeks

These appointments help to assess the development of the hip at an early stage.

A newborn’s hip is not yet fully developed at birth. Hip ultrasound can detect possible developmental abnormalities early, so that treatment can begin in a timely manner.

If hip dysplasia is detected early, the development of the hip joint can be specifically supported. In many cases, a simple treatment is sufficient to allow the hip to mature fully.

The examination usually only takes a few minutes. Your baby lies comfortably on an examination table while the hip joint is examined using ultrasound.


 

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