Abstract:

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of classification and features of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), as well as the advantages of early screening and diagnosis, are necessary for correct selection of ultrasonic diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE: To summary the classification, features of DDH, and the combination of ultrasonic inspection, clinical examination and radiography in early diagnosis and treatment for DDH.
METHODS: A computer-based online search was performed on PubMed and CNKI with search words of “developmental dysplasia of the hip and uhrasonography” both in English and Chinese. Articles addressing classification and features of DDH or the clinical outcomes of ultrasonic inspection in the treatment of DDH were selected. Literatures about the same circle published in the near future or on the authoritative journals were included. Totally 28 papers were selected in this review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can display the cartilage and soft tissue structures surrounding hip joint clearly, present the relative position of femoral head and acetabulum, as well as the morphology and structure changes of femoral head cartilage and glenoid labrum, in addition, it can show parts of soft tissues within acetabulum and supplement information that cannot be displayed by X-ray film or CT. Ultrasonic image is sectional view, compared with X-ray film, it can avoid missed diagnosis or diagnostic errors that caused by structure overlapping or projection angles. On the whole, ultrasonometry possesses highly clinical value in diagnosing infant DDH, which can be used a conventional examination method.