Ultrasound Paediatric Hip ('clicky' hips)

To confirm presence and severity of hip abnormalities, resulting in subluxation and dislocation of the ball from the socket of the hip. On manipulation of the baby’s hips, Doctors can often produce an audible “click” sound as the hip moves in and out of the socket, hence the term “clicky hips”.

 There is no preparation for this examination.

NB: Please bring a dummy, or a feed in a bottle for the baby. HUNGRY CRYING BABIES ARE DIFFICULT TO SCAN (they don’t hold still). Happy babies are quicker and easier to scan J

Please bring a spare nappy for after the scan.

The baby will lie on the ultrasound table, nappy off or half off, whilst the hips are examined.

The sonographer will have to hold the legs in specific positions for the imaging and measurements to be done. For some views, the sonographer will be required to put some pressure on the joints to see if the hip moves out of the socket, and see how far it goes out. This is the most important part of the examination. It does not hurt the baby, but they don’t like it so tend to cry.

The Radiologist may be required in room to view the live imaging as these scans are sometimes difficult to both perform and interpret. Do not panic if the Doctor comes in, they are there to make sure you get the most accurate results possible.

The specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If your doctor is outside the hospital then a disc of images can be made available.