Hip Dysplasia: X-Ray Recommended for Breech Infants at 6 Months of Age

Breech presentation at birth or any point during the third trimester is a particularly strong risk factor for developmental hip dysplasia, even for infants with a normal physical exam. Orthopedics has updated the algorithm for hip dysplasia to reflect updates from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Clinical Practice Guidelines.  The update includes a recommendation to perform the following for breech babies (breech at birth or any point during third trimester): a six-week screening ultrasound followed by a single AP pelvis radiograph at 6 months of age.

You can find algorithms for dozens of other conditions at seattlechildrens.org/algorithms.