Which imaging study is the best initial choice for suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip in a child?

Which imaging study is the best initial choice for suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip in a child?

• A. Order an MRI of the hips
• B. Order an ultrasound of the hips
• C. Order a pelvis and hip xray
• D. Order a bone scan to look for other lesions

Answer: (B)

An ultrasound of the hips is the best initial imaging choice for suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in a child, particularly in infants under six months of age. This is primarily due to the fact that a child's hip joint is not fully ossified until later in life, making ultrasound the preferred method to visualize the cartilaginous structures and assess the integrity of the hip joint. Ultrasound is non-invasive and allows for real-time imaging, which is crucial for assessing the soft tissues and evaluating acetabular coverage of the femoral head. This imaging modality can also help in measuring the hip's stability and determine the degree of dislocation or subluxation, which are key factors in diagnosing DDH. In contrast, an MRI is not typically used as an initial screening tool for DDH due to its higher cost, longer time required for the procedure, and less availability in some settings. An X-ray of the pelvis and hips may not adequately display the hip joint in infants since it relies on bony structures and can miss early signs of dysplasia. Additionally, a bone scan is generally reserved for detecting more widespread conditions affecting bone metabolism rather than a localized developmental abnormality such as DDH. Thus, ultrasound stands

An ultrasound of the hips is the best initial imaging choice for suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in a child, particularly in infants under six months of age. This is primarily due to the fact that a child's hip joint is not fully ossified until later in life, making ultrasound the preferred method to visualize the cartilaginous structures and assess the integrity of the hip joint.

Ultrasound is non-invasive and allows for real-time imaging, which is crucial for assessing the soft tissues and evaluating acetabular coverage of the femoral head. This imaging modality can also help in measuring the hip's stability and determine the degree of dislocation or subluxation, which are key factors in diagnosing DDH.

In contrast, an MRI is not typically used as an initial screening tool for DDH due to its higher cost, longer time required for the procedure, and less availability in some settings. An X-ray of the pelvis and hips may not adequately display the hip joint in infants since it relies on bony structures and can miss early signs of dysplasia. Additionally, a bone scan is generally reserved for detecting more widespread conditions affecting bone metabolism rather than a localized developmental abnormality such as DDH. Thus, ultrasound stands