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 Orthopedics and Traumatology in Innsbruck
Make an appointment at our practice.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Der Säuglingsultraschall ist eine sichere und bewährte Untersuchung zur Beurteilung der Hüftentwicklung im frühen Kindesalter. Eine frühzeitige Abklärung der Säuglingshüfte kann entscheidend dazu beitragen, Fehlentwicklungen rechtzeitig zu erkennen und konservativ zu begleiten. Kontaktieren Sie uns, wenn Sie einen Säuglingsultraschall durchführen lassen möchten. Es besteht auch die Möglichkeit einer erweiterten Privatsprechstunde.
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.
