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Hip Dysplasia: Causes, Signs, Symptoms And Treatment

Hip Dysplasia is seen when the bones of your hip joint fail to align properly. Even though it mainly impacts babies and young children, it can be seen in adults too. The hip joint serves as the gathering point between your thigh bone (femur) and your hip bone (pelvis). If one is having hip dysplasia then the femur's round ball (femoral head) doesn't correctly match up with the curved socket in your pelvis that it should fit into. This misalignment can further cause cartilage damage and one can witness worrisome signs and symptoms like pain and stiffness, as well as an increased risk of hip dislocations.

The warning signs: Can be pain in the hip area (mainly in the groin), looseness in the hip, a noticeable limp while walking or moving, and having legs of unequal lengths. Infants diagnosed with hip dysplasia who have not yet begun walking may exhibit other symptoms, such as one leg turning outward more than the other, reduced movement in one leg compared to the other, and uneven or wrinkled skin around their thighs and buttocks.

The causes: Hip dysplasia occurs when the femur does not properly align with the socket in the pelvis. This misalignment can result from a shallow hip socket or an irregularly shaped femur head. It can be hereditary, present by birth.The complications of hip dysplasia: The abnormal formation of the hip joint can lead to excessive wear and tear on the cartilage, eventually leading to osteoarthritis. The instability can put excess strain on the bones, making one prone to fractures. Ones with untreated or undiagnosed hip dysplasia may also experience muscle imbalances and weakness around the affected joint causing uneven gait, reduced range of motion, and chronic pain.

The diagnosis and treatment: An ultrasound, hip x-ray, or even a CT scan will aid in the diagnosis of this condition. Those babies with this condition will be advised to wear a brace or harness to ensure proper hip alignment. Physiotherapy including stretches and exercises will strengthen the muscles around your hip joint and improve your flexibility. However, surgery will be the ultimate option and the common include hip osteotomy and hip arthroscopies. Osteotomy will allow the reshaping of the patient's bones. A hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique to restore damage inside the hip joint and allow free movement. People with severe hip dysplasia will have to opt for hip replacement (arthroplasty) as suggested by the doctor.(Article Courtesy: Dr. Ashish Arbat, Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Jehangir Multispeciality Hospitals, Pune)

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Hip Dysplasia: What Is It And How Can It Be Treated?

Those with hip dysplasia can experience pain in the hip area (mainly in the groin), looseness in the hip, a noticeable limp while walking or moving, and legs of unequal lengths

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Hip dysplasia: What is it and how can it be treated?

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Hip dysplasia is seen when the bones of your hip joint fail to align properly. Even though it mainly impacts babies and young children, it can be seen in adults too. 

The hip joint serves as the gathering point between your thigh bone (femur) and your hip bone (pelvis). If one is having hip dysplasia then the femur's round ball (femoral head) doesn't correctly match up with the curved socket in your pelvis that it should fit into. 

ADVERTISEMENT This misalignment can further cause cartilage damage and one can witness worrisome signs and symptoms like pain and stiffness, as well as an increased risk of hip dislocations. Dr Aashish Arbat, orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon, Jehangir Multispeciality Hospitals, Pune shares the signs, causes and treatment of hip dysplasia Warning signsThose with hip dysplasia can experience pain in the hip area (mainly in the groin), looseness in the hip, a noticeable limp while walking or moving, and legs of unequal lengths.  Infants diagnosed with hip dysplasia who have not yet begun walking may exhibit other symptoms, such as one leg turning outward more than the other, reduced movement in one leg compared to the other, and uneven or wrinkled skin around their thighs and buttocks. Also Read: How social media addiction has given rise to popcorn brain in young adults Key causesHip dysplasia occurs when the femur does not properly align with the socket in the pelvis. This misalignment can result from a shallow hip socket or an irregularly shaped femur head. It can be hereditary, present by birth. Complications of hip dysplasiaThe abnormal formation of the hip joint can lead to excessive wear and tear on the cartilage, eventually leading to osteoarthritis. The instability can put excess strain on the bones, making one prone to fractures. Ones with untreated or undiagnosed hip dysplasia may also experience muscle imbalances and weakness around the affected joint causing uneven gait, reduced range of motion, and chronic pain. Diagnosis and treatmentAn ultrasound, hip x-ray, or even a CT scan will aid in the diagnosis of this condition. Those babies with this condition will be advised to wear a brace or harness to ensure proper hip alignment. Physiotherapy including stretches and exercises will strengthen the muscles around your hip joint and improve your flexibility. However, surgery will be the ultimate option. Common surgeries include hip osteotomy and hip arthroscopies. Osteotomy will allow the reshaping of the patient's bones. A hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique to restore damage inside the hip joint and allow free movement. People with severe hip dysplasia will have to opt for hip replacement (arthroplasty) as suggested by the doctor. Also Read: Yeast infection, UTI and Jock itch: Common infections of intimate areas and prevention tips Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.

Baby Carriers, Slings And Hip Dysplasia – What You Need To Know

There has recently been growing controversy surrounding baby carriers and a possible link to hip dysplasia.

As a result some of the biggest brands in the parenting industry known for making baby carriers, such as Baby Bjorn, have come under fire and have even been called unsafe.

Given the fact that so many of our mums and dads are avid babywearers, it is something we've researched in detail, so that you can be confident in your choices.

We spoke to an independent expert, Dr Charles Price, the director of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI), to find out if a carrier can indeed cause the disorder.

But first, what is hip dysplasia and how common is it?

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the bones of the hip joint are not aligned correctly.

More like this

It's also known as:

developmental dysplasia of the hip

hip dislocation

congenital dislocation of the hip

loose hips

It prevents the hip joints from functioning properly and means your child may develop painful and stiff joints, a limp or hip pain, especially during teenage years.

Hip dysplasia affects 2-3 in every 1000 babies (approximately 2000 babies in the UK each year) according to the IHDI.

Can carriers cause hip dysplasia?

According to Dr Price there is no evidence that points directly to carriers as a cause of hip dysplasia.

However,the IHDI recommends healthy hip positioning for all babies to encourage normal hip development.

"There are definitely mechanical forces that can help or hurt hip development when the sockets are soft and immature," he explains.

"However, with carriers that carry babies in the Spread Squat position - also called the Froggy, Ergonomic-M or Jockey position (pictured above) - hip dysplasia is almost unknown."

What is the best position for a baby in a carrier?

The IHDI recommends carrying your baby so that your baby's hips are in a natural position during the first 6 months. This means your baby's hips should:

be positioned at just over a right angle (90+ degrees) with legs spread around your body

have a wide base of support under the thighs

sit at the same level or slightly lower than your babies knees

According to the IHDI, the most unhealthy position for your baby's hips is when your baby's legs are held straight out with hips and knees straight and legs brought together (the opposite of the your baby's foetal position).

Baby slings and hip dysplasia

Slings that keep your baby's legs inside can also hinder healthy hip development. According to the IHDI, any carrier or sling that restrains a baby's legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk. Like a carrier, your sling should enable your baby's legs to be outside and bent at just over 90 degrees and wrapped around you.

So what causes hip dysplasia?

The exact causes are not known, but what is known is that hip dysplasia develops around the time of birth, after birth, and even during childhood. The most vulnerable time for a baby to develop hip dysplasia is from birth to 4-6 months.

The hip sockets are shallower at birth than at any time after birth and approximately one in 6 newborn infants has loose hip ligaments.

These babies are at greater risk for hip dysplasia if the hips are not allowed to stabilise with the ball in the centre of the hip socket.

There are a few factors known to increase the risk of hip dysplasia:

A breech birth

Girls are 4-5 times more likely to have hip dysplasia than boys

Wrapping a baby's legs straight and together for long periods of time (for example, with tight, straight swaddling on a papoose board) is known to cause hip dislocations

Genetics - hip dysplasia can run in families, making it around 12 times more likely, but other factors are involved too. Some genes have been identified that may increase the risk of hip dysplasia, but these do not predict a baby will have hip dysplasia.

Want more information on dysplasia? We've got that covered...

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