What is Hip Dysplasia?
by Nicola - 23:56 on 27 April 2017
What is Hip Dysplasia?
When I was pregnant my community midwife suggested my baby had a chance of having hip dysplasia because i'd had it as a baby. So in a sense, I was at an advantage, I knew, vaguely, what hip dysplasia was. But lots of people dont, so what is it?
Hip Dysplasia, also known as Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), or Clicky Hips, or in days long since gone, like when I was wee, Congenital Disorder of the Hip. It's all the same thing, the ball at the top of the thigh bone is not held in the hip socket correctly. It can be mild or it can be more severe when the joint can become dislocated.
Hip Dysplasia Risk Factors
What are the Risk Factors for Hip Dysplasia? There are 6 risk factors:
1. Being a first born baby.
2. Being a girl.
3. Being in the breech position.
4. Being a large baby.
5. Having a parent or family member who had hip dysplasia.
Treatment Options
Babies should have their hips checked early, and by that i mean within days or weeks of birth, but this varies even within the UK nevermind worldwide. If it is diagnosed at this early stage a baby could be treated with a Pavlik Harness. Babies are typically treated in the Pavlik Harness for up to 12 weeks, again this varies worldwide. Again pproaches vary around the world but it is normal for the baby to be in the harness 24 hours a day for weeks at a time.
If it isn't caught early an older baby or child could require surgery and then will be in a Spica cast. The Spica cast will be worn for months at a time.
Available Support
There is support available!
Sign up for our Top Hacks for Dealing with a Baby in a Pavlik Harness here.
Good luck with your hippy journey, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!
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