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A dislocated hip occurs when the thigh bone is out of its proper place in the hip socket. Before or after birth, a baby’s hip socket may develop too shallowly. Eventually, the thigh bone (femur) dislocates from the socket, either before or at the time the child begins to stand and walk. The condition may occur on one side or on both sides. The cause is not certain, although some cases seem to be inherited. Other cases seem to be caused by an abnormal position of the infant’s legs in the uterus before birth.

If the hip condition is not diagnosed until after dislocation has occurred, correcting it is more difficult. If it is not corrected before the child walks, the child will limp if the dislocation is in only one hip. The child will waddle if the dislocation is on both sides.

Signs and symptoms

If the condition is in only one hip, parents may notice that the infant moves one leg more than the other. The folds of the buttocks or the creases on the sides of the groin may not match. A child who is already walking may limp or waddle.

Home care

There is no home treatment until the condition is identified by a doctor. Dislocation of the hip(s) is a disabling condition if not treated early and properly. If you see any signs of hip problems, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Precautions

• Be sure that your baby is thoroughly examined (while completely undressed) at regular visits to the doctor. Your doctor should examine the hips at each visit until the baby is older than one year.

• If the child’s legs are not the same (in size, shape, position, or movement), tell your doctor.

Medical treatment

Your baby should be carefully examined for dislocated hips during each checkup. A doctor will suspect dislocation if any of the early signs and symptoms appear. The doctor will then check the ability of the thighs to be rotated outward. The doctor will also listen for a “clunking” sound which a dislocated hip makes when put through a certain series of movements. Your doctor will order X rays of both hips if the disorder is suspected.

The diagnosis is not usually made at birth, but the condition becomes more obvious with passing months. As soon as the diagnosis is made, you should consult an orthopedic specialist. If the hip is not yet dislocated, the doctor will treat the child with a special pillow positioned to keep the thighs spread or with a body splint or cast. If the hip is already dislocated, surgery may be required.

If both you and your doctor are alert, the problem can be noticed early. Early diagnosis is the key to easier treatment and perfect, permanent results.

*52/84/5*

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Tags: General health . This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 at 3:27 am and is filed under General health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.