Role of Ultrasound in Evaluation of Infantile Developmental Hip Dysplasia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background: Ultrasonography (USG) is now widely recognized as a reliable imaging tool for the early diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography (USG) in infants with developmental DDH.
Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 30 infants at risk of DDH were examined using USG, with Graf alpha (α) and beta (β) angles measured. The study was conducted at Mansoura University Children’s Hospital and the Radiology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt, during the period from October 2023 to September 2024.
Results: Breech delivery (36.7%) was the predominant risk factor, while female sex (30%) and oligohydramnios (16.7%) were less common. Most hips were classified as Graf type I (33.3% right, 36.7% left), with Graf type II accounting for 16.7% of right and 23.3% of left hips. The alpha (α) was markedly decreased in dysplastic hips compared with normal hips. A statistically significant strong correlation was observed between right hip α angle and right hip D ratio.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that US evaluation using α and β angles in addition to the D ratio, is an effective and non-invasive method for diagnosing developmental DDH in neonates. The findings support using the α angle as the primary diagnostic parameter, with the degree of femoral–acetabular coverage considered a complementary indicator, especially in atypical cases.