Do babies need to undergo hip joint screening during a 3-month physical examination?

Three month old infants usually need to undergo hip joint screening. Congenital hip dysplasia is a common bone and joint disease in infants and young children, and early screening can help detect abnormalities in a timely manner. This examination mainly evaluates the developmental status of the hip joint through physical examination and ultrasound testing. The doctor will observe whether the length of the baby's legs is symmetrical, whether the skin lines on the buttocks are consistent, and conduct a hip joint abduction test. Ultrasonic examination can visually display the alignment relationship between the hip socket and the femoral head, measure the angle of the hip socket, and determine the stability of the hip joint. The inspection process is safe and non-invasive, and most infants can complete the inspection while breastfeeding or sleeping, usually taking 5-15 minutes. Three months of age is a critical window period for screening, during which the hip cartilage has not yet fully ossified, ultrasound imaging is clear, and intervention measures are relatively simple and effective. If mild symptoms of hip dysplasia are detected during screening, re examination or short-term follow-up may be necessary. Some infants have hip joint laxity, which tends to self heal with age. But if structural abnormalities such as shallow acetabular flattening and femoral head dislocation are found, it is necessary to refer to pediatric orthopedics as soon as possible. Early intervention mainly involves wearing external fixation devices such as Pavlik straps, and most children can recover after 4-6 weeks of correction. Delayed treatment may lead to sequelae such as claudication and arthritis. After screening, it is still recommended to have a follow-up examination at 6 and 12 months of age for infants who are normal, especially for infants born in breech position or with a family history, which should be closely monitored. Parents should choose loose clothing for their babies to avoid wrapping them too tightly, and pay attention to keeping both lower limbs naturally outside the booth in daily life. When changing diapers, avoid forcibly straightening the legs and gently unfold the baby's knees outward. Regular passive exercises such as frog style hip abduction can help with joint development. If asymmetrical leg movement, hip bounce or restricted abduction is found, timely medical examination and follow-up should be sought.