What causes hip dysplasia in the baby

The congenital hip dysplasia (DCC) or developmental dysplasia of the hip is a condition in which the hip joint is not normal. Some babies are born with this malformation. In it, the head of the femur does not fit properly in the joint, which can cause lameness and pain later.

DCC affects 1 in 1,000 babies. A slight instability of the hip is observed in 1 of every 3 newborns. Girls are more likely to develop hip dysplasia. But what causes this condition? In Guiainfantil.com we explain it to you.

How does hip dysplasia occur in babies? 

Its causes are not known exactly. Some risk factors may increase the chances of your child being born with hip dysplasia. These factors are:

– Family background.

– Baby born in breech position.

– Decreased amniotic fluid in the uterus.

– Musculoskeletal system disorders.

Can baby carrier backpacks cause hip dysplasia?

Some cultures place newborns in ported systems in forced posture with their legs stretched and together for many hours a day. It has been proven that in these situations the risk of developing a hip dysplasia increases, so it is not recommended to keep the legs of the children in that posture, as well as the non-ergonomic baby backpacks that leave the legs of the babies stretched hanging.

No relationship has been seen between hip dysplasia and current ergonomic baby backpack systems, as they keep the legs apart and usually allow for free mobility of the hips (W or frog positions).

How is hip dysplasia detected in babies?

The physical examination of all newborns allows early detection of the majority of patients. A baby with dysplasia may show no signs of the condition. The signs, which can be very subtle, vary depending on the age of the child. The doctor will look for the following signs by performing several maneuvers:

– A “hollow sound” during the opening and closing of the hips.

– Inability to move the thigh out of the hip.

– One leg shorter than the other.

– Unevening of the fatty folds of the thigh around the groin or buttocks.

– Lameness or walking on one foot with one of the feet, in older children.

– A curvature of the spine, in older children.

The early diagnosis of congenital hip dislocation is the fundamental point to obtain a satisfactory evolution, that is, to obtain the development of a hip with normal characteristics.

The treatment of dysplasia will depend on the age of your child and the severity of the dysplasia. Mild cases improve without treatment after several weeks. The most serious cases will need orthopedic treatment and in the worst cases, reductive surgery.

If the diagnosis is made early, the doctor may order your child to use an orthotic device known as a Pavlik harness, which consists of a set of soft straps that keep your child in “frog position” allowing the hip joint develop normally.