Hip dysplasia
If after birth it appears that the hip joint is not well developed, there is a congenital hip defect: a hip dysplasia. Timely treatment can solve this problem.
THE HIP
The hip joint is a ball joint. When walking and moving, the femoral head of the femur rotates smoothly in the socket of the pelvis. This is possible because there is a layer of cartilage on the head and in the socket. Cartilage is a smooth, resilient tissue.
WHAT IS HIP DYSPLASIA?
In hip dysplasia, the hip joint is not well developed. The acetabulum is not deep enough and does not enclose the femoral head properly. The femoral head can therefore easily slide out of the shallow socket. It is even possible that the femoral head no longer enters the socket at all. Then there is hip dislocation. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common developmental disorders that manifest after birth. Hip dysplasia is not painful, but if this abnormality is not treated, osteoarthritis (wear and tear) can develop later on. Hip dysplasia occurs in about 2% of all babies.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
The cause is not entirely clear. The abnormality is much more common in girls than in boys. Hereditary factors play a role. The position of the baby in the womb seems to have an influence: hip dysplasia is slightly more common in breech presentation. It is difficult to determine to what extent a certain position can aggravate the abnormality after birth. Carrying the baby in a baby carrier, in a hip spread position, is beneficial in any case. Stretching the legs, for example to measure body height, is not recommended.
HOW IS A CONSTITUENT HIP DEFICIENCY DETERMINED?
It is important that hip dysplasia is detected early. That is why every baby is examined by the midwife immediately after birth. This physical examination is continued during the visits to the child health center. If there is a suspicion that there is a hip abnormality, additional examination is necessary. In that case, an ultrasound must be made. However, this ultrasound only provides information after the third month of life. The GP can arrange a referral for this.
A breech presentation can have a minor influence on the baby's hip development. There is therefore a slightly higher risk of hip dysplasia. It is recommended to have an ultrasound taken of the baby's hips 3 months after birth, if the baby has been in a breech position for a long time after 30 weeks of pregnancy, an external version has been performed during the pregnancy and/or if your baby was born in the breech position.
WHEN IS TREATMENT NECESSARY?
Under the age of 3 months, hip dysplasia often heals spontaneously. No treatment is then necessary. Treatment usually takes place in the age phase of 3 to 6 months. Timely treatment of hip dysplasia and hip dislocation gives a good result in the vast majority of cases. Treatment can prevent future joint problems. Almost all children treated develop a good hip joint.
