Infant hip ultrasound (screening for hip dysplasia)
Infant hip ultrasound in Casablanca
This ultrasound checks that the head of the thighbone (femur) is properly positioned in the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis that holds it). It looks for hip dysplasia, formerly called congenital hip dislocation, while the hip is still made mostly of cartilage. It shows this cartilage and the shape of the socket, which are still barely visible on an X-ray. With no X-rays, it can be repeated safely to monitor an immature or treated hip.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Examining both hips generally takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Hip abnormality found during the pediatrician's examination.
- Baby born in breech position.
- Hip dysplasia in a close relative.
- Check-up of a hip treated with a harness or an abduction brace.
- Foot deformity or torticollis (wry neck) in the infant, which leads to checking the hips.
- Thigh that does not open out well, or asymmetrical thigh creases noticed by the doctor.
How the exam is done
A parent stays with the baby, who is undressed from the waist down and without a diaper. The baby lies on their side, or on their back depending on the technique, and a little gel is applied to the hip. A calm baby who has just fed, or who feeds during the exam, makes the images easier to obtain.
The doctor places the probe and may gently move the thigh to test its stability. On the image, the doctor measures the angle of the roof of the socket, which shows whether the hip is well formed. The two hips are examined one after the other. Afterwards, you wipe off the gel, put the diaper back on and dress your child.
Preparation
- Bring clothes that are easy to remove, a spare diaper and a pacifier.
- A breastfeed or a bottle just before the exam often helps the baby stay calm.
- If your baby wears a harness, come with it on, following the orthopedist's instructions.
Fasting
No fasting: the baby can drink before or during the exam.
Contrast injection
No injection is given.
Contraindications and precautions
- No contraindication; the exam is done without X-rays.
- Harness or splint: do not remove it without the orthopedist's approval.
- Baby born prematurely: tell us, as the timing of the exam may take this into account.
- Irritated skin on the bottom or in the groin creases: tell us, and the gel will be applied carefully.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the pediatrician or orthopedist
- Child health booklet
- Previous hip ultrasounds
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should the exam be done?
Most often at around one month, on the date set by your doctor. Before that, the normal looseness of a newborn's hips can make interpretation difficult.
Does the exam hurt the baby?
No. The probe is simply placed on the skin with gel; crying is mostly due to being undressed.
What if a hip is immature?
A follow-up exam is often planned a few weeks later. If needed, your doctor refers you to a pediatric orthopedist, who may suggest a harness.
Why not an X-ray?
In young infants, the hip cartilage is barely visible on X-rays. X-rays generally take over at around 4 to 6 months.
Does the baby need to be completely undressed?
No. Only the lower body is undressed, with the diaper removed; the upper body stays dressed. Bring a small blanket so your baby does not get cold.
What does a normal ultrasound mean?
That the hips are well formed and stable at the time of the exam. Your doctor continues to check them at later visits, as for any infant.