Hip Dysplasia in Infants
What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in infants, but with early diagnosis and treatment, most babies with hip dysplasia will go on to lead normal active lives. If you suspect your baby may have hip dysplasia, please talk to your general practitioner, paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, or paediatrician as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Hip dysplasia is a general term used for a range of possible deformities of the hip, commonly leading to hip instability, hip dislocation, or a shallow hip socket. This deformity in either the size, shape or orientation of the ball (femur) or socket (acetabulum) can lead to a malalignment of the hip joint.
The exact cause of hip dysplasia is not fully understood but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Breech position during pregnancy or birth (born feet first)
- Family history of hip dysplasia
- First born child
- Female gender
- Swaddling or tight wrapping of the baby's legs
- Large birth weight
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?
Generally, the symptoms in infants are minimal but may include a “clicky” hip, change in symmetry of the legs, a leg that is longer or shorter than the other, or a loss of range of motion. These symptoms typically increase as the infant ages and the dysplasia progresses.
Hip dysplasia is usually diagnosed following a routine physical examination by a paediatrician, general practitioner or paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. During the examination the doctor will perform a series of tests to check for hip instability or dislocation. Sometimes an ultrasound or x-ray may be ordered (depending on the patient’s age) to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.
How is hip dysplasia treated?
The majority of cases of hip dysplasia can be cured by bracing when diagnosed at an early stage. We know that the hips grow and mature better when in the right position and the brace helps keep the baby's hips in the best position to encourage this growth. After bracing, we continue to monitor your child's hips with examination and x-rays to confirm the resolution of dysplasia over time.
There are some children however that still have residual hip dysplasia or more severe dysplasia which requires surgical correction to help put the hip back in and hold it in. This may require pins or screws and the use of a whole pelvis plaster.
Dr Eardley-Harris has been extensively trained and has experience in both diagnosis, and treatment of hip dysplasia at any age. As a surgeon of all ages, Dr Eardley-Harris often continues follow up of patients with hip dysplasia into adolescence, adulthood and beyond if needed.
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Meet Nathan
He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.
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