Ultrasound screening for hip dysplasia in neonates.

In a pilot study, hip development in 615 newborn children was assessed sonographically. Distinct dysplasia was found in 2.3%, and an intermediate "physiologically immature" hip development was noted in 13%. The number of controls and expenses would greatly increase if all physiologically immature hips were followed until they reached maturity. To reduce the number of unnecessary control and to facilitate assessment, we propose the use of "cut-off values" in a screening program for newborns.