Ultrasound of Baby Hips

Ultrasound of Baby Hips

What is an Ultrasound Scan?
It is a very simple examination which uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body; it is the same as the scans we do during pregnancy to check your unborn baby.

Why does my baby need a scan when they appear fine?
When your baby was born, they will have been examined and it may be suspected that there is a problem with one or both of your baby’s hips.
Sometimes there is a family history of DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip) or if your baby was in the breech position after 36 weeks of pregnancy there is an increased chance of your baby having a hip problem.

When will my baby need a scan?
At your baby’s newborn examination, you will be told whether your baby needs a scan within two weeks of age or between four to six weeks of age.

Does this scan pick up all hip problems?
No, this scan is for DDH. This is a condition where the ‘ball and socket’ joint of the hip does not form correctly.

What if I decide not to bring my baby for the scan?
This is not recommended. DDH can be corrected in a relatively simple way (dependent on the degree of abnormality) if the problem is detected early. This is why we ask you to bring your baby when they are so small. If DDH goes undetected, it is much more difficult to correct when your baby is older, also there are more likely to be long term complications.

How long will it take?
The examination usually takes between 10-15 minutes to complete.
During the scan
You will be taken into the ultrasound room and introduced to the Sonographer performing the scan. You will be asked to partly undress your baby. You will be able to stay with your baby throughout the scan.
Your baby will be placed on their side in a special cradle whilst the pictures are being taken.
Some gel will be placed on each hip in turn. The transducer is placed on the skin and gently moved around to obtain the best picture of the hip joint.
The scan is painless. Some babies may become restless during the scan. We have found that giving the baby a feed just before the scan may help them feel more relaxed. (You may wish to arrive a little earlier for your appointment).

When will I know the result?
The Sonographer will discuss the scan findings with you at the end of the examination. Sometimes follow up scans or referral appointments are needed. If this is the case, we will let you know at the time. We aim to report examinations as soon as possible.

Personal choices
As a teaching hospital, we often have Sonographers and medical staff undergoing training, and you have the right to refuse. This will not affect your baby’s care in any way.

Where can you find more information?
www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/
www.hipdysplasia.org
Newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE) screening programme handbook – GOV.UK

Cancelling/rescheduling your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment, contact us on 01527 512099 as soon as possible to rearrange. It is very important that this scan is done within a particular time frame and your original appointment can be allocated to another patient.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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