The routine use of contrast-enhanced MR remains controversial because of the relative paucity of well-powered and validated literature. Following surgical hip reduction, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is preferred over computed tomography (CT) because MR can not only confirm concentric hip joint reduction, but also identify the presence of soft-tissue barriers to reduction and any unexpected postoperative complications. For infants younger than 4 months, screening hip ultrasound (US) is recommended only for those with risk factors, equivocal or positive exam findings, whereas for infants older than 4–6 months, pelvis radiography is preferred.

Various imaging modalities are routinely used to confirm suspected diagnosis, to assess severity, and to monitor treatment response. Because the development of the hip joint is a dynamic process, optimal treatment depends not only on the severity of the dysplasia, but also on the age of the child. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a broad spectrum of developmental abnormalities of the hip joint that are traditionally diagnosed during infancy.

Hip dysplasia normal hip xray