Monitoring of Patients during Brace Treatment
Limited evidence supports that the practitioner perform serial physical examinations and periodic imaging assessments (ultrasound or radiograph based on age) during management for unstable infant hips.

Rationale
If brace treatment is initiated, there is limited evidence that episodic serial physical and imaging reassessments during the treatment cycle can lead to changes or duration of the treatment plan. Two low strength studies report monitoring of brace treatment using physical exam, ultrasound, and radiography following the appearance of the ossific nucleus.31, 32 Both studies identified failure of reduction or persistent dysplasia in patients undergoing brace treatment. These findings necessitated a change in treatment plan or duration. No parameters for optimal timing or frequency of imaging were established by research protocol.

Risks and Harms:
Radiographs involve exposure to ionizing radiation.