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Neonatal Orthopaedic Screening

Name: Newborn Orthopaedic Screening Milan: Hip Ultrasound and What to Check
Creator: Dott. Daniele Priano
Published: 2026-01-15

Complete orthopaedic evaluation in newborn: hips, spine, feet, torticollis.

Medically reviewed: April 2026·Dott. Daniele Priano

Quick Answers

When is the best age for a newborn's first orthopaedic visit?

An initial clinical evaluation is usually done in the first days of life, as part of routine neonatal care. A dedicated orthopaedic visit is particularly useful in the first 2-3 months, when many conditions (such as hip dysplasia or clubfoot) respond extremely well to simple, minimally invasive treatments.

Is a hip ultrasound always needed?

Hip ultrasound is a very useful tool and is offered especially when there are risk factors (family history of dysplasia, breech delivery, female sex) or suspicious clinical signs. It is not always mandatory in the absence of risks, but it is a non-invasive, quick exam that gives precise information on hip development in the first months.

What do you check beyond the hips?

Neonatal screening is a 360° check: in addition to the hips we look at foot shape and mobility, neck rotation, limb alignment and symmetry, spinal appearance, and skin folds. It is also a valuable moment to answer parents' questions on positioning, holding, choice of first shoes when the time comes, and tummy time management.

Neonatal orthopaedic screening is a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify early the musculoskeletal conditions that may present at birth or in the first months of life, such as developmental hip dysplasia, clubfoot, or congenital muscular torticollis.

During the visit we observe spontaneous posture, limb mobility, symmetry of skin folds, foot shape and position, neck mobility, and spinal attitude. It is also an opportunity to give parents practical guidance on positioning, holding techniques, and warning signs to watch for in the following months.

Hip ultrasound, when indicated, completes the clinical assessment. Recognizing these conditions early allows simple, minimally invasive pathways with generally excellent results, avoiding more complex treatments later on.

🍼What I Check in Newborns

Neonatal orthopaedic screening is an important moment: I check hip stability, neck posture, limb mobility, and the spine. Many conditions are simple normal variants, but identifying them early allows reassuring parents or, when needed, intervening promptly.

When to seek evaluation

As part of routine newborn check-up
Family history of orthopaedic conditions
Breech presentation
First pregnancy or oligohydramnios
Asymmetries noticed by parents

What is evaluated

Ortolani and Barlow maneuvers for hips
Spine and limb inspection
Feet shape and position
Neck mobility
General posture and symmetry

Treatment options

Hip ultrasound if clinical suspicion
Early treatment of any anomalies detected
Follow-up visits as indicated
Parental guidance on warning signs

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best age for a newborn's first orthopaedic visit?▼

Is a hip ultrasound always needed?▼

What do you check beyond the hips?▼

Important Notice: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Each clinical case is unique: the appropriate treatment is determined during the specialist consultation, based on a thorough clinical examination and, where necessary, diagnostic imaging. For any doubts or concerns, please consult a specialist.