Hip dysplasia is an alteration in the development of the acetabulum at the level of the coxofemoral joint, this does not allow adequate congruence between them; compromising both structures and soft tissues, affirms the Dr. Melissa Rosero specialist in pediatric orthopedics of Medical Center.
The acetabulum is the concave articular portion of the surface of the pelvis, formed by the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis, to which the head of the femur articulates, thus finally forming the hip joint.
Some symptoms that the patient who suffers from it may present must be present; among the most common are:
- The leg may appear shorter on the side of the dislocated hip.
- The leg on the side of the dislocated hip can be rotated outward.
- Folds in the skin of the thigh or buttock may appear uneven.
- The space between the legs may appear wider than normal.
These characteristics vary according to the cases presented; a baby suffering from said pathology can have a partial or total hip dislocation; dislocation refers to an injury in which a joint is displaced from its normal position; This incident means that the head of the femur slides partially or completely out of the cup, emphasizes the specialist of the Medical Center.
How is it diagnosed?
According to the type of dysplasia that is evident, it can be diagnosed by means of a physical examination or specialized aids such as hip joint ultrasound, which is recommended to be done before the child is six months old. If this time has elapsed, an x-ray should be taken. Hip.
The Institution’s specialist affirms that this pathology occurs more frequently in women; in a ratio of 5 to 9 girls for every newborn boy. There are some risk factors associated with this how:
The intrauterine breech presentation refers to the moment in which the baby’s position is seated throughout the pregnancy and they cannot change it. This posture condition is a risk factor for presenting hip dysplasia.
Fetal macrosomia, this term is used to describe excessive development or size of the body, as in the case of a newborn with an above average weight. The pathophysiology of macrosomia is related to the maternal condition or to the condition of fetal development.
Oligohydramnios refers to the reduced amount of amniotic fluid; this is associated with maternal and fetal complications. The diagnosis is made through an ultrasound that allows measuring the volume of amniotic fluid.
Among the risk factors, twin pregnancy and family history with hip dysplasia are also associated.
Lastly, the Dr. Melissa Rosero pediatric orthopedic specialist Medical Center ensures that treatments are carried out according to age and the type of dysplasia, the sooner it starts, the greater the possibility of a good response and a complete cure. In children under 6 months, the treatment consists of a harness or Pavlik straps, which is a device made up of straps that are attached to a kind of girdle that surrounds the baby’s chest. The duration of the treatment is variable, from 2 to 4 months, until the femur can be adjusted to the hip. Up to 90% of cases are resolved with this technique. Additionally, surgical aids can be implemented.