Infant ultrasound
Treatments
Infant ultrasound is an essential preventive examination in pediatric orthopedics and serves for the early assessment of hip development in newborns. Since the skeleton of newborns consists largely of cartilage in the first weeks of life, infant ultrasound offers the only way to precisely visualize the joint structures without radiation exposure and completely pain-free.
Through the targeted use of infant ultrasound, orthopedic abnormalities can be detected early and treated in a timely manner if necessary, before permanent limitations occur.
What is an infant ultrasound?
Infant ultrasound is a special form of hip sonography in which the hip joints of infants are examined using ultrasound. This examination is often also referred to as infant hip ultrasound.
It is an imaging procedure in which sound waves are used to visualize the infant hip. In the orthopedic context, the primary focus is on examining the ossification of the acetabular roof and the position of the femoral head. Since malpositions at this stage are often pain-free, infant ultrasound is the most important tool for detecting developmental delays before permanent damage occurs.
The hip joint is still forming during infancy, and hip sonography enables a particularly precise assessment of the developmental stage.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Specialist in Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
Common applications of infant ultrasound
Hip ultrasound in infants is routinely performed between the 6th and 8th week of life. In certain cases, an earlier infant hip ultrasound is necessary shortly after birth. In the presence of certain risk factors, an earlier infant ultrasound is advisable in the first days of life.
Applications of infant ultrasound in pediatric orthopedics, particularly for:
- Routine hip sonography in newborns (between the 6th and 8th week of life)
- Early detection of hip dysplasia
- Evaluation in cases of family history
- Monitoring in breech presentation or multiple births
- Follow-up examinations for abnormal previous findings
- Assessment of the infant hip in cases of movement restrictions
Objectives of infant ultrasound and possible findings
Infant ultrasound aims to assess hip development (e.g., age-appropriate formation of the acetabulum) at an early stage and to detect deviations in a timely manner. Dr. Gregor Pittl uses infant ultrasound to classify the maturity of the joints according to the internationally recognized Graf classification. Hip sonography enables reliable classification and close monitoring of developmental disorders.
Possible findings during infant ultrasound include:
- Normal hip development: The acetabular roof is well-formed and provides stable coverage of the femoral head. No further treatment is required.
- Hip dysplasia: The acetabulum is too shallow or too steep, so that the femoral head does not have sufficient support. Hip dysplasia in infants can lead to premature joint degeneration if left untreated.
- Hip dislocation: The most severe form, in which the femoral head has already exited the acetabulum or is easily displaceable.
Hip dysplasia in infants can usually be managed conservatively with early diagnosis. Infant ultrasound is therefore an essential tool for reliably assessing the development of the infant hip.
Procedure
Procedure of infant ultrasound
Infant ultrasound is completely pain-free for your child and takes only a few minutes:
- Preliminary discussion with parents: Collection of relevant information about pregnancy, birth, and family factors
- Preparation: The baby is undressed and gently secured in a special lateral positioning cradle so that the hip is stable
- Examination: Gentle positioning of the baby. Dr. Gregor Pittl applies a contact gel and guides the ultrasound probe over the hip region
- Measurement: Angle measurements (alpha and beta angles) are taken directly on the monitor to precisely classify the infant hip
- Discussion of findings: Following the baby ultrasound, the results (classification according to established pediatric orthopedic criteria) and the further course of action are immediately discussed with the parents and documented in the yellow booklet
Make an appointment at our practice.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Infant ultrasound is a safe and proven examination for assessing hip development in early childhood. Early clarification of the infant hip can contribute decisively to detecting maldevelopments in good time and providing conservative support.
Please contact us if you would like to have an infant ultrasound performed. There is also the possibility of an extended private consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the infant ultrasound dangerous for my baby?
No. Unlike X-rays, infant ultrasound uses sound waves that do not cause any radiation exposure. The examination is completely safe and can be repeated as often as necessary.
Why is hip ultrasound in infants only performed in the 4th week?
In the first weeks of life, the hip undergoes a natural maturation phase. An examination in the 4th to 5th week is ideal for distinguishing between temporary immaturity and hip dysplasia in infants that requires treatment.
What happens if the findings are abnormal?
In most cases, conservative treatment is sufficient. Wide swaddling or a hip abduction brace positions the hip so that the socket can develop optimally.
Do patients have to cover the costs for the infant hip ultrasound themselves?
The infant ultrasound, as part of the U3 examination, is a statutory health insurance benefit. In our private consultation hours, we also offer you prompt appointments and a comprehensive specialist consultation with Dr. Gregor Pittl.
