Imaging of children's hips
Wilson D., Allen G.
• Ultrasound is an important tool in the detection and management of developmental dysplasia of the hip. • Universal screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip by ultrasound may be wise but there is currently insufficient evidence to clearly recommend this a national policy. • A painful hip in childhood is a clinical emergency. • Ultrasound is the definitive method for detecting joint effusion. • Ultrasound cannot determine whether a joint effusion is due to infection, haemorrhage or transudate. • Imaging has a role in determining the cause of snapping hips. © 2002 The British Institute of Radiology.