Hip dysplasia affects the development and alignment of a child’s hip joint. The condition can range from mild joint instability to dislocation, and doctors are able to use physical examinations and imaging for evaluation. Depending on the child’s age and condition, treatment sometimes involves a harness, bracing, or surgical procedures. Here is more information about exploring the causes and treatment options for hip dysplasia:
Recognizing Dysplasia Symptoms
Hip dysplasia may not produce noticeable symptoms during infancy. Some children show differences in leg movement or appearance, while others develop signs after they begin walking. Because symptoms can vary by age and hip development, doctors are able to use physical examinations and imaging to evaluate the joint.
- Noticing uneven leg lengths
- Hearing clicking or clunking during hip movement
- Observing reduced movement in one leg
- Developing a limp or waddling gait
- Seeing uneven skin folds on the thighs or buttocks
Examining the Underlying Causes
Several factors may influence hip development before and after birth. Family history is able to relate to hip dysplasia, and genetics will sometimes play a role in how the hip joint develops. Because hip development begins before birth, positioning during pregnancy may also affect the joint.
Breech positioning places a baby’s hips differently during later stages of pregnancy. Swaddling practices may also affect hip positioning, especially when the legs remain tightly extended and pressed together. When swaddling a baby, allowing room for hip and leg movement supports a more natural position.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia Early
Physical examinations help identify hip dysplasia during routine newborn visits. Pediatricians can assess hip stability and movement, and imaging helps provide additional information when the examination identifies possible abnormalities. Because infant hip joints contain more cartilage, ultrasound are able to be used for younger babies, while X-rays may evaluate older children.
Reviewing Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Nonsurgical treatment may be used for infants with dysplasia. A Pavlik harness holds the hips in a bent and outward position, and this positioning supports development within the hip socket. When a harness does not provide suitable positioning, a rigid abduction brace may offer another treatment option.
Follow-up appointments allow doctors to monitor hip development throughout treatment. Imaging tracks changes in the joint, and the harness or brace requires adjustments as the child grows. Because treatment needs vary between children, the length and type of bracing may depend on hip development and response.
Evaluating Surgical Treatment Options
Sometimes surgical treatment is used when nonsurgical approaches do not provide adequate hip stability. The procedure depends on the child’s age and hip development, and treatment often involves repositioning or reshaping the joint. After surgery, recovery may include cast immobilization and physical therapy to support movement and strength.
- Repositioning the hip through closed reduction
- Accessing the joint through open reduction
- Reshaping the bone through osteotomy
Schedule a Hip Evaluation Today
Hip dysplasia is able to require evaluation at different stages of childhood. Parents may notice uneven leg lengths or limited hip movement, and older children are able to develop changes in their walking pattern. Because treatment depends on age and hip development, options range from bracing to surgical procedures. Schedule a hip evaluation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist to discuss your child’s symptoms and available treatment options.
