What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects your hip joint. Your hip is a ball and socket joint that includes the upper end of your thigh bone and the pelvis bone.
In babies and children, the hip joint may not be properly formed, leading to frequent dislocations. This joint abnormality describes hip dysplasia.
Some children are born with hip dysplasia, while others develop the condition within the first year of life. The condition tends to run in families and may be more common in firstborn children and females. If you have a baby born in the breech position, it may also increase their risk for hip dysplasia.
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia?
Some of the more visible signs of hip dysplasia include:
- Toe walking
- Limping
- Joint dislocation
- Loss of mobility
- Different length legs
- Uneven skin folds on the thigh
If your child has difficulty crawling or walking, it’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at Maguire & Early Orthopedics. They offer on-site X-rays and other diagnostic tests to confirm hip dysplasia.
How is hip dysplasia treated?
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on the age of your child, the frequency of dislocations, and the impact the condition has on your child’s life.
The available treatment options for hip dysplasia in children include:
Bracing
In newborns and infants, the Maguire & Early Orthopedics team might suggest bracing. This treatment involves placing your baby in a harness to keep the thigh bone in the socket so the surrounding ligaments can grow strong enough to support the joint.
Surgery
In older babies, surgery might be necessary to reset the bones of the hip joint. The surgeons make a small incision in your baby’s hip to access the bones and put them into the proper position.
The team at Maguire & Early Orthopedics monitors the healing process of your child’s hip in the months after surgery. They may request routine X-rays to evaluate the joint bones and your child may need to wear a cast or a brace for several months to support full healing of the hip joint.
To find out more about the available treatments for hip dysplasia, call the office of Maguire & Early Orthopedics nearest you today or book a consultation online.
