Ultrasound evaluation of hip position in the Pavlik harness.

Fifty infants undergoing treatment in the Pavlik harness for congenital hip dysplasia (CDH) were serially evaluated with ultrasound. Comparison with clinical and radiographic examinations showed sonography to be 100% sensitive and highly specific. Discrepancies between the studies are attributed to the greater sensitivity of the technique compared with the physical examination and/or radiographs. Using this method, it is possible to significantly reduce radiation exposure to the infant being treated for CDH.