May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Pain Loose hip joint and deep socket: Dysplasia of the hip?
Loose hip joint and deep socket: Dysplasia of the hip? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: What will the orthopedist do to fix an loose hip joint and deep socket? Dear Kayla: Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), meaning looseness in the baby’s hip, this may lead to problems with the way the hip develops.DDH is a treatable condition which occurs in otherwise normal, healthy babies. Early treatment is important to prevent problems later in life. DDH occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 babies and the cause is unknown. Factors that might contribute include lax ligaments around the hip (especially in girls), a tight intrauterine space (mostly for first born babies), breech positioning prior to birth, or a family history of hip problems. However, nothing could have been done to prevent this from happening. Treatment is relatively easy and reliable for infants, but becomes difficult in later years and very complex after maturity.Treatment depends on the child’s age and the degree of looseness in the hip. In a newborn, for example, is treated with close monitoring and gentle positioning with double diapering. If the hip is out of place or the looseness does not tighten up within a few weeks, a soft positioning device called a Pavlik harness is used for 1-2 months. After 2 years of age, the Dysplasia may become severe, making major open surgical intervention necessary to release tight structures and realign the hip bones to stabilize the hip.
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 02 January 2012 ) |
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