[Clinical and sonographic study of the infant hip. A prospective study].

In 1985 a clinical and sonographic study in 693 children was done. The instability and the limitation of the abduction of the hip joint proved to be the most important clinical signs. The weight of the newborn and the time of birth had no influence on the hip configuration. The importance of the sonographic and clinical examination was demonstrated in the follow up. In the ultrasonic examination qualitative signs rather than quantitative measurements were preferred in routine diagnosis.