Robert Flannery Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | U. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Robert Flannery Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | U. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Parents should be aware of hip dysplasia, a condition that affects newborns and can impact their mobility if left untreated. According to Jeffrey Henstenburg, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at UW Health Kids, "Typically, we can detect hip dysplasia right after birth or during routine well-baby checkups within the first year of life." Early detection is crucial as it affects children's movement and can lead to pain and arthritis later in life.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that one or two babies per 1,000 are born with this condition. While it is often detected at birth, symptoms may not appear until later. Parents should look for signs such as abnormal skin creases around the hip, popping noises, leg length discrepancies, outward turning of the leg after three months of age, reduced movement on one side of the body, limping once walking begins, toe-walking on one side only, and inward rounding of the lower back.
Several risk factors contribute to infant hip problems: low amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy, being a first child or female (as girls' ligaments are more flexible), breech position during pregnancy, multiple births like twins, family history of hip dysplasia, and large birth weight.
Routine checkups include gentle manipulation of the baby's legs and hips by healthcare providers to detect any looseness or improper spread in thighbones. If necessary, they may order an ultrasound or X-ray for further examination.
Swaddling practices also play a role; tight swaddling with straight hips and knees increases risk. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises leaving space for leg movement when swaddling. Similarly, baby carriers should support proper knee positioning relative to the bottom.
Treatment varies by age. For infants up to six months old, a Pavlik harness might be recommended to maintain proper joint alignment while growing. Older babies could require casting or surgery.
"Our hope is that no child has untreated hip dysplasia," Dr. Henstenburg stated. "The sooner we start treatment, the more effective it is."
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