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What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia (developmental dysplasia of the hip) is when a baby’s upper thighbone is dislocated from the hip socket.
It can be present at birth or develop during a child's first year of life.
Hip dysplasia is not always detectable at birth or early infancy.
Despite careful screening of children for hip dysplasia during regular well-child exams, many children with hip dysplasia are not diagnosed until after they are 1 year old.
Hip dysplasia is rare. However, quick treatment is essential if your baby is diagnosed with the condition.
What causes hip dysplasia?
No one is sure why hip dysplasia occurs (or why the left hip dislocates more often than the right hip).
One reason may be related to the hormones a baby is exposed to before birth.
While these hormones serve to relax muscles in the pregnant mother's body, in some cases, they also may cause a baby's joints to become too relaxed and prone to dislocation.
Who is at risk of hip dysplasia?
Those assigned female at birth.
If there is a family history of hip dysplasia.
Infants born in a breech position.
The first baby born to the family.
How do I know if my baby has hip dysplasia?
A healthcare provider will check your newborn for hip dysplasia after birth and at every well-child exam until your child walks normally.
If your baby’s primary healthcare provider is concerned about hip dysplasia, they will place a referral for your baby to see an orthopedist (specialists who treat hip dysplasia).
How is my baby treated for hip dysplasia?
If your child is diagnosed with hip dysplasia before 6 months old, they will most likely be treated with a soft brace (such as the Pavlik harness) that holds the legs flexed and apart to allow the thighbones to be secure in the hip sockets.
The orthopedist will provide information about any harness needed, how to use it and how often.
Your baby will also be examined frequently during this time to ensure the hips remain normal and stable.
Sometimes, more procedures are needed such as surgery. Your baby’s orthopedist will discuss what treatments are needed at each visit.
Contact your baby’s healthcare team if:
You are concerned about your baby’s hips.
You are having trouble with your baby’s harness.
You think your child needs to be seen.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials.
Reviewed by: TT DO | 05/2024