As parents, it's important to be aware of common health conditions that can affect your baby, so you can ensure their well-being from the start. One condition that doctors check for is newborn hip dysplasia. The ball at the top of one of the baby’s thighbones does not fit firmly into the hip socket. As a result, the joint is loose and the leg slips out of the socket. In severe cases, the baby’s thighbone is completely dislocated from the hip socket.
“Typically, we can detect hip dysplasia right after birth or during routine well-baby checkups within the first year of life,” said Jeffrey Henstenburg, MD, a UW Health Kids pediatric orthopedic surgeon. “Early diagnosis is important. Hip dysplasia affects the way children move and walk. If not detected, it leads to pain and arthritis as they grow older. Our goal is to catch hip dysplasia at a young age, when it’s easiest to treat.”
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about one or two babies per 1,000 are born with hip dysplasia. While doctors usually detect the problem at birth, sometimes symptoms don’t appear until later. Read on to learn the signs of hip dysplasia in infants, risk factors and when to seek treatment.
How do you know if your baby has hip dysplasia?
In newborns, hip dysplasia is not painful yet, so you might not notice anything is wrong. Signs to watch for include:
Abnormal skin creases around the hip
Popping or clicking noises around the hip
One leg appears shorter than the other
The leg with the hip problem appears to turn outward (particularly after three months of age)
Reduced movement on the side of the body
After the child begins to walk, you might notice:
Limping
The child walks on their toes on one side and not the other side
The child’s lower back appears to round inward
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your provider.
What causes hip dysplasia in infants?
Sometimes, the cause of infant hip problems is not clear. Risk factors include:
Low levels of amniotic fluid in the womb during pregnancy
Being the first child
Being female (girls’ ligaments tend to be more flexible)
Breech position during pregnancy (the baby is in a bottom- or feet-first position instead of head-first)
Twins or multiple births
Family history of hip dysplasia
Large birth weight
How providers diagnose hip dysplasia
When you take your baby for periodic routine checkups, you’ll probably notice that the providers gently move your baby’s legs and hip joints. They’re checking to see if the baby’s thighbones are loose in the socket or if they spread apart properly. They also feel for clunking (shifting) of the hip which might indicate hip dysplasia. If needed, your provider will order an ultrasound or X-ray to get a better look at what’s happening with your child’s hip.
How can I prevent hip problems after my baby is born?
Learn proper swaddling
To keep babies comfortable, many parents wrap their newborns snugly in a blanket so that only their heads peek out. This is called swaddling. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, research shows that babies who are swaddled too tightly — with hips and knees in a straight position — have a higher risk of developing hip problems. Check with your pediatrician about the proper way to swaddle your baby and leave plenty of space for the legs to move freely.
Baby carriers and swings
If you use baby carriers, slings, swings and seats, ask your provider which products will keep your baby’s legs and hips in a safe position. If you wear a baby carrier, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that your baby’s knees bend at the same height as (or higher than) their bottom. Make sure their legs can wrap around your torso.
Treatment for infant hip dysplasia
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on your baby’s age. For newborns and children up to six months of age, doctors may recommend a soft brace or harness called a Pavlik harness. This device keeps the baby’s legs apart and turned outward (in a frog-leg position) and holds the hip joint in place while the child grows. Older babies may need a cast or surgery.
“Our hope is that no child has untreated hip dysplasia. The sooner we start treatment, the more effective it is,” Dr. Henstenburg said. “We work to help babies’ hip joints grow and function normally, improve mobility and help them live a healthy, active life.”