ROUTINE ULTRASOUND SCREENING FOR NEONATAL HIP INSTABILITY - CAN IT ABOLISH LATE-PRESENTING CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP

We have undertaken routine ultrasound screening for neonatal hip insta bility in Coventry since June 1989. Of the 14 050 babies scanned durin g the first three years, 847 (6%) had ultrasound abnormalities. A grad ing system, based on the percentage of femoral head coverage, is prese nted. The proportion of abnormal hips decreased gradually so that by n ine weeks, 90% had normal ultrasound appearances. Abnormality was more common in babies with a family history of CDH and in breech presentat ions. All babies with clinically abnormal hips had an abnormal first u ltrasound examination. Five babies not diagnosed by clinical examinati on and with no risk factors had abnormal ultrasound appearances and we re subsequently found to have clinically abnormal hips. Routine ultras ound screening has detected cases which would otherwise have presented late.