When you become a parent, the worries and fears that come with the role are often unimaginable.  That's why when your child is diagnosed with hip dysplasia or any other condition, having all the facts at hand is essential. 

Dr. Timothy Bradley at POBAR specializes in treating hip dysplasia and we would love to take your hand and walk beside you on this journey.

POBAR provides support to families in their journey of helping to resolve issues related to children’s orthopedic conditions in Tampa, FL., providing them peace of mind for a better tomorrow.

If you’re not sure what hip dysplasia is, then this blog post is just for you.

What is Hip Dysplasia and When Does it Manifest?

Hip Dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip socket and ball portion of the upper thighbone. It is called dysplasia because the socket does not fully cover the ball portion thus creating a partial or complete dislocation. 

This dislocation can cause significant damage to the cartilage lining the joint and the labrum, which is a soft tissue that rims the socket of the hip joint. This is called a hip labral tear. 

Hip Dysplasia can manifest at the onset of a baby’s life. A Pediatric Orthopedic will examine your baby after birth for signs that point to the condition. Should it be identified in early infancy, POBAR will recommend a soft brace to rectify the issue. In children over 6 months, scans from X-rays, CT, and ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis. 

Although hip dysplasia can appear right away, in some milder cases, symptoms don’t manifest until later years, such as in the teens or as a young adult. At that point, a soft brace would not be effective as bones have already developed. Instead, surgery will have to be performed to place the bones into the proper positions and this would result in smoother joint movement for young adults and teens. 

What are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?

Signs and symptoms show up differently, depending on the age:

• In infants, one leg may look longer than the other.

• When a child starts to toddle, a limp may be visible. 

• During diaper changes, one hip may be less flexible than the other.

• In teenagers and young adults, hip dysplasia can lead to osteoarthritis or a hip labral tear, in turn causing activity-related groin pain.

When do Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia Occur?

About 10 out of every 1000 babies are born with loose hips. For many of these infants, the problem will resolve within several months. But 1 in 1000 babies will either be born with hip dysplasia or develop it in the first years of life.

It can also show up later in life, in the teen years, or even in adulthood. As bones keep forming, sometimes the cup-shaped cavity doesn’t grow deep enough to hold the femoral head.

The forms of hip dysplasia that involve the growth of the socket are often quite subtle. Although the hip may not sit well in the socket, it’s not likely to move in and out noticeably either. As a result, it can be years before an adult discovers any symptoms of hip dysplasia. 

What Are the Causes of Hip Dysplasia?

Hip Dysplasia can start in the womb. Sometimes the space within the womb can become cramped due to a number of factors such as first pregnancy, carrying a large baby, or when the baby doesn’t turn in preparation for birth but remains in breech. The crowded womb may force the ball of the baby’s hip joint to move out of its proper position, resulting in a shallow socket. 

Once the baby is born, this presents an issue as it takes time for the soft cartilage hip joint to develop into hard bone. If the ball is not in the right position, then the socket does not fully form resulting in Hip Dysplasia. 

What Are the Risk Factors?

According to the National Library of Medicine, the risk factors for developing Hip Dysplasia, “There is a 9:1 female predominance. Apparently, the baby's own female hormones aggravate and contribute to the abnormal looseness of the hip ligaments.”  Other risks of Hip Dysplasia include: 

• genetics

• babies born in breech position

• tightly swaddled babies, especially with the hips and knees straight

What Are the Treatments For Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia treatment depends on the age of the affected person and the extent of the hip damage.

• Infants are usually treated with a soft brace, such as a Palvik harness, that holds the ball portion of the joint firmly in its socket for several months. This helps the socket mold to the shape of the ball.

• for babies over 6 months, the doctor may move bones into the proper position and then hold them there for several months with a full-body cast.

• Sometimes surgery is needed to fit the joint together properly.

• If the dysplasia is more severe, the position of the hip socket can also be corrected through surgery.

• Hip replacement surgery might be an option for older people whose dysplasia has severely damaged their hips over time, resulting in debilitating arthritis.

Give Your Child the Best Orthopedic Care Possible, and Uncover Your Next Steps With Dr. Bradley in Tampa, FL!

If you suspect that your infant or baby may have hip dysplasia, Don't wait any longer to act. Book an appointment with POBAR and visit us in Brandon or Riverview Tampa, FL, to get the relief you need. An experienced pediatric orthopedic specialist can assess your little one, provide expert advice, and help bring them back to optimal orthopedic well-being.

Don't delay in taking care of your child's health--book an appointment today!