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Baby hip X-ray
infant hip X-ray · baby hip dysplasia X-ray · pelvis X-ray for babies · DDH X-ray
An X-ray of your baby's hip joints. It shows whether the joints are formed correctly.
Usually after 3 to 4 months of age, when the joints show better on X-ray, if an ultrasound or an orthopedic exam raised questions.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes in the room; the report the same day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Feeding. Feed your baby shortly before the X-ray. A full baby is calmer.
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes that come off easily. Bring a clean diaper and a sheet.
- Toy. A favorite toy or a pacifier will help distract your baby.
What to bring
- The referral
- Past ultrasound and orthopedic reports
- A diaper, a sheet, and a pacifier or bottle
How it goes
- You undress your baby down to the diaper. Sometimes the diaper is removed too
- Your baby is laid on their back with the legs held straight
- You may be given a protective apron and asked to hold your baby
- A protective shield is put over the genitals, if it does not cover the joints
- The image takes a fraction of a second
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt your baby
- Many babies cry because they are being held. This is normal and quick
Afterwards
- You can dress your baby and go home right away
- Take the image and report to a pediatric orthopedic doctor
Common questions
Is the radiation harmful for my baby?
The dose is very small. The X-ray is ordered only when it is needed to decide on treatment.
Why not an ultrasound instead of an X-ray?
Babies up to 3 to 4 months usually have an ultrasound. Later the joints harden into bone, and an X-ray shows them better.