Congenital Hip Dislocation - Symptoms And Diagnosis In Babies And Toddlers

Congenital Hip Dislocation - Symptoms And Diagnosis In Babies And Toddlers

Congenital hip dislocation symptoms are not be very easily seen in a newborn infant. However, a pediatrician will ordinarily check for the presence of this disorder employing a uncomplicated procedure that involves pushing the infant's legs apart.

Congenital hip dislocation is a disorder in which the hip bone (head of the femur) does not fit appropriately into its socket or is partially or completely outside of its socket. The condition is present at the beginning of life and is more common in girls.

This article shares how this medical condition is diagnosed in both infants and older children and explains how the dislocation is treated.

Congenital Hip Dislocation Symptoms and Causes

Due to the truth that indications are not easily noticed in a newborn infants, most infants are commonly examined for congenital hip dislocation by their obstetrician or pediatrician. If the test is positive, the medical doctor will hear a clicking sound upon flexing and spreading the infant's legs apart.

In older infants or toddlers, one leg may seem shorter than the other or the toddler may walk with a limp, on his or her tip-toes, or use a waddling gait.

The cause of congenital hip dislocation is not fully understood. There may be a link to a hormone imbalance in the mother during pregnancy or injury through the birth procedure which may be due in part to the position of the fetus (i.e. breech position).

Congenital Hip Dislocation Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is generally made by an obstetrician or pediatrician who may note the disorder during a routine examination. During a routine physical examination, the medical doctor will flex and push apart the infant's legs, if a clicking noise is heard, the condition may be present.

For toddlers or older children, the medical doctor will observe the child's gait to detect a limp or other uncommon walking characteristics like walking on his or her toes, or waddling like a duck. Other signs of this problem in toddlers and older children may include the appearance that one leg is shorter than the other, skin folds in the thighs that look uneven and noticeably less flexibility on the side affected by the dislocation.

In more aged infants and children, the diagnosis may be confirmed by further checks like ultrasound and/or x-rays of the hip.

Congenital hip dislocation is generally correctable if discovered early and treatment will depend on the age of the child. In newborns and young infants, a soft device called a Pavlik harness can be applied to sustain correct positioning of the hip bone in its socket. The device permits the hip to develop normally.

For more aged infants and toddlers a procedure termed closed reduction may be performed in which the hip bone is pushed or placed back into the socket. The procedure may be performed with anesthesia. If the procedure fails, open surgery may be recommended.

Treatment ordinarily involves immobilizing the hip joint until it heals. Immobilization can involve utilizing a splint, brace or cast, that may have to be worn for quite a few months. If a cast is essential for a very young kid, the child may experience a delay prior to walking.

Mild hip dislocations may be immobilized by putting 2 or 3 layers of diapers on the infant at one time.

Early and correct treatment can generally lead to normal hip joint function and should not hinder the youngster from leading an lively lifestyle. However, one leg may stay short.

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