Hip dysplasia is a broad term that many refer to abnormal cell development within our tissues or organs. The ailment can lead to conditions that generally include enlarged tissue or precancerous cells. When a child is going through hip dysplasia, parents look forward to understanding the situation and wish to understand what the future will look like.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip generally occurs when a child's hip joint is not usually formed. You can understand it simply by considering the example of a car tyre that wears out faster when they are out of alignment. When a child is suffering from developmental dysplasia of the hip, the condition prevents their hip joint from functioning normally, which leads to wear tear more quickly than usual. For example, the head of the fumer fits perfectly in the hip pocket in a normal hip condition. But when a child has this condition, the hip socket for them is shallow, making the hip slip in and out, moving partly or entirely out of the socket.
Every year at least one in 6 new-borns is likely to suffer from some hip ailment, and some infants also need treatment. Hormonal, mechanical genetic and environmental factors lead to hip dysplasia in children. The firstborn females have the highest risk for hip dysplasia in children as the uterus is relatively more minor in firstborns, which leads to little room for movement. A baby's delivery to the mother's hormones during pregnancy also plays a crucial role in hip dysplasia. After birth also, hip dysplasia can occur if a child is held with adopted hips or extended while they are swaddled.
The condition is quite common in girls as compared to boys. The check condition can only be detected when the child starts growing or when the hip pain is felt during the development stages.
Ideally, the symptoms present vary from child to child, but some of the most common symptoms of hip dysplasia include the leg on one side of the dislocated hip, which appears shorter or turns outward. In addition, at even folds unevenly in the thigh or buttock, the space between the legs is most likely to be larger than usual—some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia or similar to other hip issues. For proper diagnosis, you need to consult a child physician.
Hip dysplasia can be detected commonly in children during the physical examination during infancy... Generally, new-borns are screened for hip issues before they head home, but the condition is sometimes not discovered until the child grows. Therefore, one of the most critical steps in diagnosing hip exams is child screening carried out at birth and during regular intervals throughout childhood. During the physical exams, the paediatrician will ask some questions regarding the risk factors like birth history or family history. Furthermore, several tests might also be administered, like the Ortolani test.
For some babies, hip dysplasia is diagnosed late, but you need to look out for signs like uneven skin creases near the butt area. You can also check for your older child if they sit or walk late or lean to one side while standing or walking. In addition, you should connect with Doctor Sanjay Sarup if your child is shuffling while walking.
Your child will be referred to a paediatric orthopaedist for further treatment. As hip dysplasia presents differently in all children, the treatment also looks different. The normal hips do not need any treatment but close follow up and routine tests are required throughout your child's development. Your orthopaedist can refer to some options with the name of footing and keeping the head of the femur back in the hip socket. In addition, treatment might include some particular device or Pavlik harness that will help hold the hip in place.
Hip dysplasia treatment mainly depends on your baby's age. Ideally, infants can be treated with a soft brace like a Pavlik harness. The brace helps in holding the ball portion off the joint perfectly in the socket for a few months. In addition, it allows the socket to mould to the ball shape perfectly.
The brace does not work for more than six months old children. Instead, the doctor might move the bones in a perfect position and then hold them for a few months with a body cast. After that, a doctor might suggest surgery at times to fit the joint together correctly.
The position of the hip socket can be corrected if the hip dysplasia is severe. Furthermore, hip replacement surgery is also an option for kids who have damaged their hips in the growing stages of life.