A term heard during pregnancy, hip dysplasia affects 1 in 1000 babies. This congenital disease is among the most common. Fortunately, there are treatments that leave no lasting effects on the child if the condition is treated in time.
But how can it be diagnosed? How can it be treated? How can it be prevented? Stay with us to find out.
Hip dysplasia: definition
This is a congenital hip anomaly caused by abnormal development in utero. There are various degrees of this anomaly, ranging from instability to complete joint dislocation.
This is an anomaly that can be genetic in origin, so pay special attention to your baby if you or a close relative are affected.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia
They are not necessarily very visible, but the doctor, by handling your child, will be able to quickly detect signs of dysplasia in your baby.
- Asymmetry or inability to open the thighs outward
- One leg shorter than the other (or asymmetrical folds on the buttocks and groin)
- A small clicking sound when the baby opens their legs
- Abnormal gait (walking on tiptoes…)
As your child grows, other signs will become visible, such as a limp.
Possible causes of hip dysplasia
Although the origins may be genetic, other factors lead to an increased risk of developing this anomaly:
- a poor position in the uterus: prolonged breech position at the end of pregnancy or even presentation in this position at birth (the baby's hips are in flexion while the knees are in extension, which promotes the anomaly)
- multiple pregnancies and twins
- family history
- babies weighing more than 4 kg at birth
Keep a closer eye on your baby if these risk factors are present.
How is it diagnosed?
In general, hip dysplasia is present on only one side. But sometimes both sides are affected, making it more difficult to detect.
It is important to know that a hip examination is performed at birth.
To detect it:
- the Barlow test: the doctor / midwife stabilizes the baby's hip while moving the leg in circles to check for a click or clunk
- an ultrasound: remains the most reliable method
The treatment
The sooner it is treated, the better!
- The hip abduction pillow or abduction cushion: a device that helps keep the baby's legs and therefore hips apart so that the joint develops properly. It is a small cushion placed between the legs to keep the baby in the "frog" position :)
- The Pavlik harness: used when the diagnosis is made later. It consists of two straps that keep the baby's legs apart. One strap is attached to a belt and the other to booties.
If the diagnosis was made later and there is a complete dislocation of the joint, the treatments will be more significant.
Baby hip dysplasia and babywearing: a perfect match
Physiological babywearing in a wrap respects, as the name suggests, the physiology of your baby. Countries where babywearing is systematic have a much lower rate of hip dysplasia!
And for good reason: babywearing in a wrap, in the right position, allows your baby to be in the desired position, the "frog" position. This position promotes proper hip joint alignment while respecting it. Babywearing is well suited for healthy psychomotor development.
Love Radius has been an expert in babywearing since 2007 and has developed baby wraps and baby carriers certified as healthy for the hips of babies by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. All our products are physiological.
For carrying from birth, we strongly recommend the baby wrap, perfect for soothing your baby while promoting their psychomotor development in a way that respects their hips.
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Sources
- International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) — Baby Wearing
- International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) — Research & Clinical Trials