What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition that involves the hip and the joint. This condition causes the hip to form improperly. In some cases both hips can be affected by Dysplasia. The severity of the case can range widely. The treatment for DDH or Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip depends on how old the child is and how severe the condition.
There are many different causes for dysplasia. A baby that is in the breech position is more likely to develop DDH. A family history is also a common factor. It is important to remember that if you have had one child with DDH, you such have any children that are born after to be checked as well. A female child is also at a higher risk for this condition.
Finding Hip Dysplasia in young infants can be difficult. An ultrasound will be done on the hip joint to see how it is formed and to see if the joint is out of socket. Bones of an infant do not show up on x-rays until they are about 6 months old. Older children will be given x-rays to determine the placement of the hip.
The treatment for Hip dysplasia depends on the age of the child. Infants under the age of six months are normally put into a pavlik harness. The harness is used to place the hip in the correct position. This will reduce the joint and the body will adjust to the proper placement of the hip. Most infants will completely recover using the harness
Older children such as 6 months to 1 year are more likely to need a spica cast. The spica cast will hold the hip in place like the pavlik harness, but it will allow less movement. Surgery is not always required for this procedure. The normal time in a spica cast is six to twelve weeks.
Children close to or over 1 year old are more likely to need surgery to correct the condition. After the surgery to correct the joint, a spica cast will be placed on the child to prevent movement. This will give the joint time to heal in the correct position. The normal amount of time in a spica cast is six to twelve weeks.
