A term heard during pregnancy, hip dysplasia affects 1 in 1000 babies. This congenital disease is among the most frequent. Fortunately, there are treatments that leave no sequelae on the child if the disease is treated in time.
But how to diagnose it? How to treat it? How to prevent it? Stay with us to find out.
Hip dysplasia: definition
It's a congenital hip abnormality due to abnormal development in utero. There are various degrees of this abnormality ranging from instability to total dislocation of the joint.
It's an abnormality that can be genetic, so pay special attention to baby if you or your relatives are affected.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia
They are not necessarily very visible, but the doctor, by examining your child, can quickly detect signs of dysplasia in baby.
- Asymmetry or inability to open thighs outward
- One leg shorter than the other (or asymmetrical buttocks and groin folds)
- Small noise when baby opens their legs
- Abnormal walking (on tiptoes..)
As your child grows, other signs will be visible such as limping.
Possible causes of hip dysplasia
Although the origins can be genetic, other factors lead to increased risks of developing this abnormality:
- poor position in the uterus: prolonged breech position at the end of pregnancy or presentation in this position at birth (baby's hips are flexed while their knees are extended, which promotes the abnormality)
- multiple pregnancies and twins
- family history
- babies weighing more than 4 kg at birth
Therefore monitor baby even more closely if these factors are present.
How to diagnose it?
Generally, hip dysplasia is present on one side only. But sometimes, both sides are affected, making it more difficult to detect.
It's important to know that a hip examination is performed right after baby's birth.
To detect it:
- the Barlow test: the doctor/midwife holds baby's hip while making circles with their leg to check for any clicking
- an ultrasound: remains the most reliable method
The treatment
The earlier it's treated, the better!
- The swaddling cloth or abduction pillow: device that allows baby to keep their legs and therefore their hips spread apart so that the joint fits properly. It's a kind of small cushion to put between the legs so that baby is in the "frog" position:)
- The Pavlik harness: used when diagnosis was made later. These are two straps that keep baby's legs spread apart. One strap is attached to a belt and the other to booties.
If the diagnosis was made later and it's a total joint dislocation, treatments will be more substantial.
Baby hip dysplasia and babywearing: a good match
Physiological babywearing in a wrap respects, as its name suggests, baby's physiology. Countries where babywearing is systematic have a much lower rate of hip dysplasia!
And for good reason, babywearing in a wrap, in a good position, allows baby to be in the desired position, the "frog" position. This position promotes proper hip joint fitting while respecting it. Babywearing is suitable for good psychomotor development.
Love Radius has been a babywearing expert since 2007 and has developed baby wraps and baby carriers certified as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. All our products are physiological.
For carrying from birth, we strongly recommend the baby wrap, perfect for soothing baby while promoting their psychomotor development while respecting their hips.
 |
| DISCOVER BABY WRAPS |