Pediatric Hip Ultrasound & Developmental Dysplasia

Course Overview

This specialist module addresses the ultrasound assessment of the neonatal and infant hip for developmental dysplasia (DDH), one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal conditions. Participants will develop proficiency in the Graf classification system, including alpha and beta angle measurement, and the dynamic assessment techniques that correlate with clinical Barlow and Ortolani testing.

The course covers national and international DDH screening programme requirements, follow-up imaging protocols, and the sonographic assessment of treatment response in harness-managed infants. The workshop component provides supervised scanning practice on infant hip phantoms and clinical cases.

Learning Outcomes

• Perform standardised coronal and transverse hip ultrasound views to Graf protocol
• Measure alpha and beta angles accurately and classify hips using the Graf system
• Apply dynamic assessment techniques to identify instability and subluxation
• Correlate ultrasound findings with clinical Barlow and Ortolani examination
• Implement follow-up imaging protocols for DDH screening programmes
• Assess treatment response in infants managed with Pavlik harness or splinting

Curriculum