Background
Approximately 3 percent of all newborns are born with hip malalignment. If detected early via ultrasound, it can usually be treated easily, for example with an abduction brace for a few weeks. If it remains undetected, this hip dysplasia leads to hip surgery before the age of 60 in 30 percent of those affected. The Graf alpha angle is particularly decisive for the assessment. However, its determination depends on the placement of the measurement lines and can vary between evaluators. The existing clinical data also showed a noticeable clustering of measured values exactly at the threshold of 60 degrees.
The SCS Contribution
SCS trained various algorithms using ultrasound images to determine the hip angle objectively and reproducibly, and proved the approach in a joint study with specialists and pediatricians.
Result
The comparison with independent data from pediatricians shows that the algorithm determines the hip angle reliably. The joint study confirmed that the angle can be determined objectively and reproducibly using deep learning. More precise and reproducible angle determination can support early diagnosis and alert physicians to unsuitable recordings at an early stage.
approx. 3 percent
of newborns are born with hip malalignment.
30 percent
of undetected cases lead to hip surgery before the age of 60.
scientifically published
Study results in Ultraschall in der Medizin.
