The effect of ultrasonographic screening on the incidence of developmental dislocation of the hip.

The effect of ultrasonographic screening and treatment with a Pavlik harness on the incidence of developmental dislocation of the hip has been studied retrospectively. Observations were made at three different consecutive periods; in the first, clinical screening was carried out, in the second, ultrasonography was added for children up to 3 months of age, and in the third ultrasonography was used within the first few days of birth. A significantly decreased dislocation rate was demonstrated in each group, suggesting that early ultrasonography was of value in the early detection of dislocation.