Loose hips around the time of birth is the usual cause in simple terms. At birth normal hormones that help relax ligaments to make childbirth easier can lead to instability of the hip. The left hip is more frequently involved than the right because of the normal baby position in the womb. Contributing factors such as first born babies (not as much room), girls (more ligament laxity), positive family history (12 times more likely), breech position that stretches the hips increases the chances of having DDH.
Some hip instability is very common in new-born infants which stabilises by 4-6 weeks. 1-9/1000 will need some form of treatment for their hip instability
No. There are no special precautions during the pregnancy or delivery that would have prevented hip dysplasia. This is mostly a problem with loose ligaments that develop around the time of birth in all infants.
No. This isn’t a true birth defect that can be identified. Hip dysplasia is more of a birth condition, although it can develop after birth in some infants.
Ideally all children have to have their hips examined by a paediatrician. There are different signs of hip dysplasia depending on the age of the child, but even complete hip dislocation is not painful till quite late. In infants, look for Uneven buttock creases or extra folds of skin at the upper thigh can be a sign that there is a leg length difference due to hip dislocation. A decrease in flexibility may also be noted during diapering. If the hips can’t be almost fully stretched out to the side. After walking age, a waddling or uneven gait can be a sign of hip dislocation.
Dysplasia can be seen even in teenage age group even if they were normal at birth. Its starts causing pain in the hip by age 12-13 with activities and that usually means some arthritis has set it. They need surgical treatment and can get back to routine function in most cases.
If treatment is delayed hip deformity can lead to pain, waddling walking and a decrease in strength. If untreated altogether, osteoarthritis (a painful hip disorder) and other hip deformities can develop in young adulthood.it affects the child’s overall growth and development
In infants it is treated with Pavlik harness or braces. Some children will may require a formal closed or open reduction of the joint along with bony osteotomies and a hip Spica cast depending on the severity of the dysplasia. All children need to be followed up till maturity as the hips need to be monitored
the spread-squat position is optimal for hip development during infancy. The hip sockets are shallower at birth than any other time. The depth of the socket develops rapidly during the first six months of life. Safe swaddling technique need to be practiced as traditional swaddling is a known cause of hip dysplasia. carrying the child over the waist is safe. Baby carriers or seats which keep the hip extended and straight are not ideal as this is a harmful position so choose your products wisely
It’s usually better to see a paediatric orthopaedist as they have more experience with managing hip dysplasia.