• The Advanced Graf Course is suitable only for those who have previously attended the Basic Graf Course in Dorchester, London, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow or Dublin.

• Doctors Academy awards 12 CPD points for attendance on both days of this course.

About

The Advanced Hip Ultrasound Course is an intensive two-day hybrid course (one day virtual and one day face-to-face) designed for clinicians who have completed a Basic Graf Course (since 2005) and are actively using the Graf method in their clinical practice. This course builds upon foundational knowledge by revisiting and consolidating the core principles taught in the Basic Course before progressing to complex case interpretation and advanced technical refinement. Through a combination of lectures, interactive image-review sessions, and live demonstrations, participants will have the opportunity to critically evaluate scan images, troubleshoot technical challenges, and deepen their understanding of the sonographic anatomy of the infant hip.

Under the guidance of an experienced international faculty, attendees will discuss complex and borderline cases, practise fine-tuning probe positioning and angle optimisation, and enhance confidence in image acquisition and measurement accuracy. Emphasis will be placed on clinical correlation, image quality assurance, and standardised reporting using the Graf classification. The course encourages reflective learning, peer discussion, and case-based evaluation to strengthen independent judgement in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) screening and management.

This advanced programme is particularly suited for orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, and senior sonographers seeking to improve diagnostic precision, consolidate technique, and take on leadership roles in DDH screening services. By the end of the two days, participants will have refined their practical skills, enhanced their interpretive confidence, and developed the tools to act as mentors and local champions for high-quality infant hip ultrasound practice using the Graf method.

Aims

• To facilitate advanced critique and refinement of Graf-method infant hip ultrasound technique.
• To enable participants to interpret complex and borderline scan findings with increased diagnostic precision.
• To enhance independent decision-making in hip-ultrasound screening, reporting and referral pathways.
• To support the development of leadership skills for hip-ultrasound service improvement and mentoring others.
• To promote quality assurance, audit and continuous learning in infant hip ultrasound practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse ultrasound images of the infant hip with high accuracy, identifying subtle abnormalities and borderline cases.
• Apply advanced scanning and measurement techniques to optimise image acquisition and classification.
• Make informed management recommendations based on ultrasound findings, clinical presentation and current screening guidelines.
• Design and implement improvements within their hip-ultrasound service, including mentoring workflows and audit cycles.
• Demonstrate leadership in hip-ultrasound practice by contributing to training, quality assurance and service governance.

Course Organiser

Ms Claudia Maizen, FRCS(T&O)
Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon
Barts and The Royal London Hospital

Suitable for

• Midwives
• Obstetric Nurses
• Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Paediatricians
• Paediatric Surgeons
• Physiotherapists
• Radiographers
• Radiologists
• Sonographers
• Speciality Nurses
• Speciality Registrars and Trainees in any of the above disciplines
• Surgical or Advanced Care Practitioners