We are delighted to host the first neonatal hip ultrasound course in New Zealand
This course aims to teach sonographers, nurses and doctors to apply the internationally recognised method according to Professor Graf in order to diagnose developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in neonates.
Why we are doing this?
In 2022 Richard attended Graf Course in Wales and immediately realised that there were significant benefits to the Graf method for obtaining the infant hip ultrasound images for DDH screening in Aotoaroa.
Sebastian was trained in Germany, where universal Graf method ultrasound screening has been established since the 80’s, just like in many other countries around the world.
Working in New Zealand we still see a lot of missed hip dislocations and late presenting DDH- which is rarely seen in countries where the Graf method of screening and treating the disease has been implemented. This has been proven by scientific work – so why not look at it more closely in Aotearoa?
So, in 2023, Richard and Sebastian met at the orthopaedic meeting in Nelson and decided to go ahead an organize the first Graf course in the country.
The Course
The course will give you a good overview of the anatomic and technical background that makes neonatal hip ultrasound possible.
It will involve practical training in both interpreting images using the Graf checklists and acquiring images using realistic ultrasound phantoms.
Professor Reinhard Graf
Prof. Graf has dedicated his life to his research and development of a standardized ultrasound technique to assess the neonatal hip. He invented a classification system that enables us to identify normal and delayed development of the hip with very high accuracy
In 2024 Sebastian went to Stolzalpe Hospital in the middle of the Austrian alps to visit Professor Graf. He was trained by Prof. Graf and got deep insight into the technique and related theory.
“I wish Richard and Sebastian the best of luck for their first course! I am delighted to see that my method is now spread across the entire world.“
Professor Reinhard Graf,
Orthopaedic Surgeon,
Stolzalpe Hospital, Austria.
Course Certificate
Sebastian is an officially accredited course convenor of Graf courses by the German Speaking Society of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.
The course certificate will certify you are able to perform an ultrasound scan according to the internationally accepted standards.