Diagnostic accuracy of static graf technique of ultrasound evaluation of infant hips for developmental dysplasia.
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.
Pillai
Anand
A
Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, G4 0SF Scotland, UK. Aorthopod@yahoo.co.uk
Joseph
Jibu
J
McAuley
Andrew
A
Bramley
Diane
D
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