Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects 1 in every 1000 babies born and if not detected and treated can cause significant lifelong disability. It is very important that all babies have a clinical examination as a new-born to identify if the hips (and remainder of the musculoskeletal system) are normal or not.

If there is concern then the baby must be seen by an expert pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. Assessment will be by history, clinical examination and an ultrasound scan (US) and Dr Uglow will perform all of these, including the US scan in the clinic at the same visit.

If the hip is abnormal, treat is essential and if started early by 6 weeks of age then the outcomes are extremely good with a realistic expectation that the hip will become normal. A Pavlik harness is worn continuously for at least 23 hours each day for approximately 6 weeks after the hip locates in the joint and the time in the harness is reduced over a few weeks until it is worn at night time only. The harness will not usually be worn beyond 6 months of age.

If the hip does not reduce or there are problems then open surgery is performed at approximately 9-12 months of age to reduce the  hip in the socket.

After treatment for dysplasia, children will need long term XR follow up to ensure that development remains normal. Sometimes children need surgery by 4 years of age to change the shape of the hip socket if this remains shallow.