Causes of Congenital Hip Dislocation
According to reports from the American Academy of Family Physicians, approximately one in every thousand babies is born with a hip dislocation condition, also referred to as congenital hip dislocation. This disorder arises from an abnormality in the hip joint’s development during the early stages of the fetus’s growth, leading to the birth of a child with an unstable hip. This instability can result in the ball of the hip joint slipping out of its socket when the joint is moved. While the precise cause of this issue remains unclear in many instances, several factors have been identified that may contribute to the risk of congenital hip dislocation in infants. These include:
- The presence of genetic factors associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip or congenital hip dislocation, which can be inherited within families.
- A family medical history of congenital hip dislocation.
- The birth of the first child.
- An issue characterized by low amniotic fluid levels.
- Delivery in a breech position.
- Gender, as females are at a higher risk for congenital hip dislocation.
Symptoms of Congenital Hip Dislocation
Infants with congenital hip dislocation may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:
- Limited range of motion in the affected joint.
- Delayed motor skills that may impact walking, sitting, and crawling.
- Noticeable differences in leg lengths.
- Presence of leg and buttock asymmetries that become apparent when the legs are extended.
Treatment for Congenital Hip Dislocation
There are several treatment options available for addressing congenital hip dislocation, including:
- Bracing: This approach may be employed in cases of complete or partial dislocation of the hip joint.
- Surgical intervention: Surgery may be necessary to manually reposition the hip into its proper alignment. This method is typically considered when other treatment options have proven ineffective, especially for children diagnosed with congenital hip dislocation between six months and two years of age.
- Pavlik harness: This is a non-surgical device used to treat congenital hip dislocation in infants, and it must be fitted by a healthcare professional.