[Early diagnosis of hip joint dysplasia in neonatal age--clinical or ultrasound methods].

Hip joint dysplasia is the commonest disorder of the musculo-skeletal system in childhood. The overall success of treatment is highly dependant on the early diagnosis. Clinical tests and ultrasound are the most popular methods for early diagnosis. The aim of our study was to estimate the possibilities of both methods for correct early diagnosis. A group of 1200 newborns was studied and the results were analyzed. Clinical methods of Ortolani and Barlow were used, as the ultrasound method according to Graf's technique. Reliability and validity of the above mentioned methods were evaluated. Ultrasound is highly recommended for screening and early diagnosis of hip dysplasia.