Ultrasound may be useful in an acute setting, and is a bedside test that can be performed in the Emergency Department. Ultrasound accuracy is dependent on user ability and experience. Ultrasound is nearly as effective as x-ray in detecting shoulder dislocations. Ultrasound may also have utility in diagnosing AC joint dislocations.
* In infants <6 months of age with suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip (congenital hip dislocation), ultrasound is the imaging study of choice. This is due to the lack of ossification at this age, which will not be apparent on x-rays.