Assessment of congenital hip dislocation with real-time ultrasound: a pictorial essay.

Real-time ultrasound (US) is the imaging method of choice for diagnosis and follow-up of congenital dislocation of the infant hip (CDH). Clinical aspects and the role of imaging are reviewed. Technique and anatomy, both normal and abnormal, are illustrated, as well as, the use of sonography during treatment with Pavlik harness and spica cast. Correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical examination, other available imaging studies and long-term patient follow-up shows 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for real-time US diagnosis of CDH.