Brazil Neonatal Orthopedic Lecture Highlights Early Hip Diagnosis

Dr. Mariana Ferrer addressed the integration of orthopedics and neonatology at the Neonatology Unit meeting of the Hospital Militar de Brasília (HMIB/SES/DF) on 27 July 2026. She emphasized that many orthopedic abnormalities can be identified at birth and that early diagnosis dramatically improves prognosis.

The presentation focused on Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), describing risk factors such as breech presentation, family history, female sex, oligohydramnios, twin pregnancy and first‑born status. Dr. Ferrer urged routine performance of the Ortolani maneuver in delivery rooms and recommended hip ultrasound for all at‑risk infants, preferably within two weeks of life. The Pavlik harness was presented as the treatment of choice before 12 weeks, with guidance on positioning and avoidance of improper splints. She also highlighted the need to monitor premature infants for silent hip and spinal luxations associated with immobility and cerebral palsy.