Follow-up of ultrasound screening of the hips in newborns.

1656 newborns were examined by ultrasound for early diagnosis of CDH in a s creening program. In 2,5% of the cases, dysplasia or dislocation of the hip was diagnosed and required treatment. In all cases the final outcome after adequate treatment showed a hip joint without any abnormalities. 11,3% of type IIa-hips (using Graf's classification) did not reach an alpha-angle of 60 degrees until the 12th week. They were then therefore classified as typ e IIb. 97% of all hip joints were judged as normal in the course of the 4th month. This study emphasises the necessity of a general ultrasound screeni ng program. It also demonstrated that early and adequate treatment leads to a normal development of the joint.