Ultrasound appearance of the hip joint in newborns during the first week of life.

The frequency of different types of hip joints in newborns was determined on the basis of ultrasound screening examinations performed during the first week of life. A higher percentage (14.1%) of abnormal hip joints were seen in comparison with the groups examined in later weeks of life suggesting the possibility of natural improvement in a number of cases. The more frequent appearance of pathology in girls was confirmed. Further investigations on the natural history of hip joint development in the newborn and on the general principles of screening examinations are needed.