Paediatric hips-a sonographer's and physiotherapist's.

Abstract

Physiotherapy: Advanced practice physiotherapist led paediatric orthopaedic clinics were established at Monash Health in 2008 in response to a statewide lack of paediatric orthopaedic consultants. The physiotherapists who are employed in these clinics have extensive clinical experience and have post graduate qualifications in paediatric orthopaedics. Over the past 8 years, these clinics have become well established, with clinicians working alongside the orthopaedic consultants. The largest diagnostic groups of patients attending these clinics are babies with developmental hip dysplasia. In 2015, following provision of a department of health grant, a combined physiotherapist led paediatric orthopaedic/ hip ultrasound clinic was established and now continues as a weekly clinic. This allows a streamlined service allowing appointments to occur on the same day, providing a more family centred, child-focused service. During the workshop, the clinical assessment of a baby with hip dysplasia will be presented. Sonography: Ultrasound is widely used in the screening of high-risk babies for the diagnosis and monitoring of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). There are a number of different techniques, which have been developed worldwide, and this workshop will give instruction on how to perform the scan planes required. The workshop will demonstrate how to perform measurement techniques and assess the morphology of the hip. Combining these techniques and establishing guidelines to following up DDH will be discussed.