Approximately one in six children is born with hip dysplasia today. If your child experiences frequent dislocations in the hip joint, the team at Maguire & Early Orthopedics can help. At the offices in Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach, California, pediatric orthopedic surgeons Michael Maguire, MD, and Sean Early, MD, provide comprehensive diagnostic testing and customized treatment services to preserve the function of your child’s hips. Call the Maguire & Early Orthopedics office nearest you or book a consultation online today.
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.
Some of the more visible signs of hip dysplasia include:
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.
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:
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.
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.