Hip dysplasia in babies

The hip joint comprises the head of femur (ball) and pelvis (socket) and is commonly called the "ball and socket" joint. For the hip joint to function and rotate properly, the head of femur has to fit in the pelvis socket tightly.

In hip dysplasia, the socket of the hip is too shallow, so the head of femur (the ball) does not fit properly in the socket, causing the hip joint to be loose. This means it can dislocate easily. 

The exact cause of developmental hip dysplasia is not known. However, the risk factors for babies getting hip dysplasia include:

• being female
• being a first born baby
• your baby being in the breech position (feet or bottom first) in the 3 months before birth
• a family history of developmental hip dysplasia.

Common symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

• one leg appears shorter than the other
• one leg is less flexible or mobile than the other
• your baby's thighs, buttocks or groin creases are not in symmetry (they look different from each other)
• your toddler walks with a limp (if hip dysplasia has not been diagnosed earlier). 

If hip dysplasia is not diagnosed and treated early, it can get worse and cause complications such as:

• your child learning to walk with a limp
• severe hip pain 
• early arthritis (wear and tear of the lining of the joint)
• your child requiring a hip replacement surgery at a young age. 

Your doctor or midwife will check your baby for this condition when they are born as part of the newborn examination. They will do some tests on your baby by moving your baby's hip joints gently.

If the condition is not detected after your baby is born, your doctor, midwife or Well Child provider will do more tests over the next few months of age, including at their 6-week check.

If your doctor is concerned, they will refer your baby to a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. If the hips feel stable on exam but there are minor signs, or your baby is older than 4 months, your doctor may request an x-ray or ultrasound of your baby’s hips first. 

Developmental hip dysplasia is treated by paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The treatment chosen depends based on your baby's age and the severity of the condition.

Treatment can include:

• observation with repeat ultrasound scans and x-rays
• a harness or a brace – a splint used to hold your baby's hips in a stable position
• surgery. 

Talk to your baby's doctor or surgeon to find out the best treatment option.

Apps reviewed by Healthify

You may find it useful to look at some Pregnancy, baby care and parenting apps and Physiotherapy and exercise apps.

Not all cases are the same. However, most of the cases have good outcomes from treatment and those children are able to develop normally.

To prevent hip dysplasia, make sure your baby's hips are not wrapped (swaddled) tightly with their legs straight and pressed together. To allow healthy hip development, the legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips. 

Image credit: Canva

If you use a baby carrier, make sure it supports your baby’s hips appropriately – the thighs should be supported and the hips and knees bent (the ‘M’ position).

Read more about hip-healthy swaddling(external link).