Hip dysplasia is a condition that can be present at birth or develop further in infancy. Infants with this condition are more prone to hip dislocation, instability, and injuries. Its causes are both inherited and environmental, but fortunately it can usually be managed and treated successfully if detected early.
This article aims to provide a brief overview of hip dysplasia in newborns and babies, but should not be used as a substitute for a medical consultation and treatment.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a looseness or instability of the hip joint. This occurs when the ball of the femur (the upper leg bone) doesn’t properly settle into the hip socket. Babies can be born with this condition or they can develop it around the time they are crawling or learning to walk. This can also be referred to as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
If hip dysplasia is not treated it can lead to developmental difficulties of the hip and delays in walking. Hip dysplasia in adults can also lead to early arthritis of the hip and other joints.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
Some signs of hip dysplasia in babies include:
Clicking or clunking with movement of the leg and hip
Difficulty spreading legs apart
Different leg lengths
Uneven thigh creases
Crooked buttocks creases
A turned out foot or feet
Delays in sitting up and walking
According to the Better Health Channel, hip dysplasia symptoms may manifest later. If your child starts showing the symptoms listed above or if you suspect that your child may have hip dysplasia, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia
Some of the risk factors associated with hip dysplasia include:
A family history of hip dysplasia
Breech births
Being first born
Being female (since baby girls are more prone to hip dysplasia)
Neuromuscular or connective tissue disorders
Some of the causes of DDH include:
Incorrect swaddling techniques
Incorrect use of baby carriers and slings
Incorrect use of car and pram restraints
Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis & Treatment
Regular checks help ensure that your baby’s development is going well and increases the chances of early hip dysplasia detection. Every child should ideally have their hips checked at birth, and at one week, six weeks, six months and again around the time they walk.
Hip dysplasia detected early can sometimes be treated by wearing a soft brace called a Pavlik harness for six to 10 weeks. Physiotherapy and changes to feeding, carrying and swaddling techniques can also help. In some cases, surgery is required to correct the displacement of the ball of the femur.
Hip Dysplasia Awareness for Parents
Hip dysplasia may cause noticeable impacts on your baby’s mobility, which is why early detection and treatment is key. If your child has been diagnosed of having hip dysplasia, don’t fret–your doctors and healthcare providers should be able to help you treat and manage the condition.
If you suspect that your child may have hip dysplasia, don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor and licensed medical practitioners for proper treatment.