AI-powered ultrasound: The future of hip dysplasia screening?

Why this study matters

Early detection of hip dysplasia in babies is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term problems. An AI-enhanced tool that detects hip dysplasia earlier and more accurately could be a game-changer, ensuring babies receive timely treatment and better health outcomes as they grow.

Melissa Formosa, VicHip’s Senior Research Coordinator, explains: "With the help of AI, we hope to detect hip dysplasia earlier and more accurately, provide faster reassurance and peace of mind for families, or intervene quickly when needed, and ultimately improve outcomes for infants."

This innovative, handheld device has enormous potential for use across various healthcare settings. It could help doctors and nurses detect problems early, without solely relying on a physical hip examination, and help prevent more serious health issues in the future.

What is this new technology?

This innovative device was developed by Canadian experts from the University of Alberta. It’s a portable, handheld probe that connects easily to a mobile phone or tablet, making it highly adaptable.

Using advanced AI, it quickly analyses images of a baby’s hips by measuring specific angles and checking key features. This helps determine if the hip socket is deep enough to hold the ball of the hip joint, an important sign of healthy development. Within moments, it can tell if a baby's hips are developing normally or if further checks are needed.

What are the benefits?

This AI-powered ultrasound tool offers several important benefits:

• Faster and more convenient screening: Its portability means it could be used in lots of different healthcare settings, not just specialist clinics.
• Empowering health professionals: The AI-assisted analysis could help healthcare teams detect hip dysplasia early, giving them confidence to refer patients to specialists for diagnosis and treatment. Early studies show that operators with minimal training can capture reliable 3D images.
• Improve access for everyone: By making the screening process simpler, this device could reach more families, especially those in remote areas where specialised care is harder to access.

Study progress

As of July 2025, nearly 100 babies (and their parents!) have joined our study. We’ve collected a large amount of 3D images and videos, comparing the AI device’s results with traditional gold standard ultrasound scans. This data is vital for us to understand exactly how well this AI-enhanced screening performs, compared to the standard methods.

A powerful feature of our research is the ability to compare our results with a vast database of other images. This helps identify potential abnormalities and suggest a diagnosis — a powerful tool for improving patient care!

How you can get involved

If your child has an upcoming hip scan appointment at The Royal Children’s Hospital, you might be invited to join our study if eligible. If you take part, your child will receive both the gold standard ultrasound scan and the new AI-enhanced ultrasound scan. We’ll also ask you to complete a short survey to share your experience.

By joining, you’ll help us understand not only how accurate this technology is but also how effectively it works for families and healthcare providers in real-world situations. Your participation is crucial for bringing this innovative screening method to more children.

Looking ahead

The future of hip dysplasia detection could soon be literally in the hands of frontline healthcare providers. VicHip is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting innovation, working closely with international experts to bring cutting-edge medical imaging technology to Australian families. Stay tuned here on our website for more research updates!

For more information or to discuss participation, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Have questions, feedback or want to get involved? 

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