What Is Hip Dysplasia? A Parent’s Guide
Hip dysplasia is a condition where a baby’s hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the femur, or upper thigh bone, causing the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated. Most children with hip dysplasia are born with this condition, but it may go unnoticed because symptoms are often subtle. In some cases, a dislocated hip is present at birth, while in others, the deformity develops over time. Early detection is critical to prevent long-term complications and support healthy hip development.
Top Risk Factors Every Parent Should Know
Certain factors increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia in babies:
- Breech birth: Babies born in a feet-first position are 15–20% more likely to develop hip dysplasia.
- Family history: If a parent or sibling had hip dysplasia, the baby’s risk increases.
- First-born girls: Female infants who are first-born may have tighter uterine conditions that affect hip development.
- Other factors may include low amniotic fluid or multiple pregnancies.
Awareness of these risk factors allows pediatricians to monitor babies’ hips closely and refer families to a pediatric orthopedic specialist when necessary.
Early Warning Signs You Can Detect at Home
Parents can look for subtle signs of hip dysplasia, even before symptoms become obvious:
- Uneven leg lengths
- Limited range of motion in the left hip or right hip
- Asymmetrical skin folds on the thighs or buttocks
- A noticeable limp when the child begins walking
While these signs can indicate a problem, many cases are not noticeable without imaging. Routine pediatric exams and early screening are essential for early detection.
How Doctors Diagnose Hip Dysplasia
Pediatricians use physical exams and imaging to assess a baby’s hips:
- Ultrasound: Ideal for babies under six months, providing a clear view of the hip joint and hip socket.
- X-rays: More commonly used in older infants and toddlers to evaluate the alignment of the femur and acetabulum.
- Physical maneuvers, such as the Ortolani and Barlow tests, help identify hip instability or a dislocated hip.
Early diagnosis allows doctors to choose the most effective treatment and minimize the need for surgery.
Why Early Treatment Matters for Healthy Development
Early intervention can often correct hip dysplasia without invasive surgery. The most common treatment for infants is a Pavlik harness, which holds the baby’s hip out to the side to allow the femur to mold into the hip socket. Babies typically wear the harness full-time for 8–18 weeks, with more than 90% achieving resolution of hip dysplasia.
If non-surgical methods are not successful, surgical options may include:
- Closed reduction: The surgeon manipulates the femur into the hip socket and stabilizes it.
- Open reduction: The surgeon removes obstacles preventing proper alignment.
For older children or teenagers, a Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) may be performed to reposition the hip socket and prevent arthritis later in life. Early treatment ensures normal hip development, reduces pain, and minimizes the risk of long-term complications.
Specialized Care at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center
At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating hip dysplasia in babies and older children. We combine expert clinical assessment with imaging techniques to provide personalized, patient-specific care. Early referral and intervention allow our pediatric orthopedic surgeons to preserve healthy hip joints and support lifelong mobility. Whether through a Pavlik harness or specialized surgical procedures, our goal is to correct hip dysplasia safely and effectively, giving babies the best chance for normal hip development.
