title: Diagnostic accuracy of static graf technique of ultrasound evaluation of infant hips for developmental dysplasia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ultrasound examination of infant hips is a widely used and accepted tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Its use and timing is still a focus of debate and its diagnostic accuracy has not been fully investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have compared the ultrasound findings by the Graf technique with radiographic appearance (acetabular index) at 6 months of age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The negative predictive value of Ultrasound for DDH was 98% and was unaffected by the timing of the examination. The specificity and accuracy of the examination increased with age and was highest at 3 months of age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound examination of the infant hip by the static Graf technique is a safe and effective screening tool for the evaluation of DDH.
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, G4 0SF Scotland, UK. Aorthopod@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pillai
authors.forename: Jibu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McAuley
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bramley
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006618:Hip Dislocation, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods