Arterial waveforms in the femoral heads of healthy neonates.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the Doppler waveform in the cartilaginous capital femoral epiphysis of healthy neonates with the aid of power Doppler and duplex Doppler imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, both hips were examined in 63 neonates. We used conventional sonographic imaging and power Doppler imaging. Spectral Doppler tracings were obtained when possible. Spectral analysis and resistive index measurements were performed. RESULTS: The examination was completed in 97 hips, revealing pulsatile arterial blood flow with a low-velocity, low-resistance, reproducible waveform. Mean resistive index was 0.48 +/- 0.11. Additional time spent on the Doppler study was documented in all patients and averaged 6 min. CONCLUSION: The arterial blood flow pattern in the femoral chondroepiphysis of healthy neonates has been described. The additional time spent doing the Doppler examination is acceptable. In future studies, this pattern of blood flow can be compared with that of abnormal hips and those undergoing treatment for developmental dysplasia.