Ultrasound screening in developmental hip dysplasia: do all scanned hips need to be followed up?

Many ways of detecting hip instability in the newborn infant exist, including a history of risk factors, clinical examination and ultrasound. We investigated our practice of 'at risk' screening using subjective, dynamic and static, ultrasound, followed by radiographic evaluation at 12 months. We found that the average age at presentation was 71 days, with the most common reason for referral being a clicking hip. None of the hips deemed stable under review deteriorated, and all those considered normal at first visit had a normal radiograph at 12 months. Abnormal radiographs were found in all the other groups.