At birth, the development of the hip is not yet complete, it still consists of cartilage and only ossifies after 3-9 months. If there is a misalignment, it is important to recognize it as early as possible and to treat it before it becomes ossified in order to avoid long-term consequences.
For most babies, this will regulate itself over the coming weeks. However, around 4% of babies have developmental delays, and the newborn could develop a hip disease that requires treatment. To determine this, the baby’s hips are examined using a hip ultrasound. In this way, a hip disease can be recognized quickly and treated in good time. Late effects are usually avoided in this way.
In Austria, infant hips are routinely examined for possible malformations by means of ultrasound by orthopedic specialists or paediatricians in order to be able to avoid long-term effects at an early stage. In the mother-child passport, an examination is planned in the first week of life and a check-up at 6 to 8 weeks.
The hip ultrasound is not stressful, painless and can be repeated several times for a follow-up check.
Costs
Free of charge when using contract doctors from the social insurance institutions.
Costs for private patients: €130 per ultrasound
Duration of treatment
app. 20 minutes
Appointments
Please make an appointment by telephone or in person.
How many sessions ?
The mother-child passport provides for a hip ultrasound in the baby’s first week of life and a follow-up examination at 6 to 8 weeks.
In case of possible malformations of the hip, it is used to monitor progress and can be repeated accordingly more often.