![picture of normal hip xray picture of normal hip xray](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m7p09oJePTo/maxresdefault.jpg)
![picture of normal hip xray picture of normal hip xray](https://eorif.com/sites/default/files/AP-Hip.jpg)
Other imaging methods that may be used for babies or children are x-rays and arthrograms. Sometimes this is treated and sometimes it is observed with a repeated ultrasound study at age three months. Some instability in a six-week old infant is not very uncommon.
![picture of normal hip xray picture of normal hip xray](https://www.cortho.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lefthip1.jpg)
The instability is much more common in newborn infants and the ligaments get tighter with age. When the number is less than 45% then there is instability. In general more than 50% of the ball should remain in the socket. Of course, this depends on how hard the examiner pushes. The images can generally show how far out of the socket the hip will move. Many babies have slightly loose hips so this can be very difficult to interpret. During the ultrasound examination, the hip is also examined for stability in the same manner as the Barlow test, but the ultrasound is used to see if the hip is unstable instead of relying on the feel of the doctor. Dysplasia is severe when the alpha angle is less than 43 degrees. Mild dysplasia is present when the alpha angle is between 43-60 degrees. This angle is considered normal if it is more than 60 degrees. The one that is used the most to help guide treatment is the alpha angle. There are angles that are measured during the examination. This is necessary to make the diagnosis or to be sure the hip is normal. It goes into the socket when the hip is held in a flexed position in the Pavlik Harness.Īn ultrasound study in young infants is performed when hip dysplasia is suspected. The left hip of this infant is dislocated.
![picture of normal hip xray picture of normal hip xray](https://www.uvaphysicianresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FAIxray.jpg)
Doctors use a combination of physical exams and imaging such as ultrasound or x-rays to diagnose hip dysplasia.