The Role of Ultrasound in Pediatric Cases of Rickets and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Abstract

This study investigates the role of ultrasonography in diagnosing pediatric cases of rickets and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Using a cohort of 80 patients aged 1 month to 2 years, we assessed specific ultrasound parameters, identifying patterns linked to each condition. Our findings highlight that ultrasonography serves as a non-invasive, reliable diagnostic tool in early detection and treatment monitoring of these conditions, with notable differences in femoral morphology and joint congruence for DDH and metaphyseal thickening in rickets. Laboratory assessments of vitamin D levels provided critical biochemical correlations. We also found that rickets increases the risk of DDH development, with 40 out of 50 rickets cases showing concurrent DDH. This research underscores the importance of standardized ultrasound criteria and biochemical analysis for pediatric skeletal abnormalities.