When you think about hip problems, you probably think about people in their 70s rather than newborn babies. But hip dysplasia, a common musculoskeletal condition, is diagnosed in eight Australian babies every day.
As Health Hips Australia says, hip dysplasia isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it can be life changing. That’s why it’s important for Queensland parents and carers to know what hip dysplasia is, the signs of hip dysplasia in babies, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to lower your child’s risk of hip dysplasia.
What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia happens when a person’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly. The hip joint has two parts: the end of the thigh bone and the hollow socket in the pelvis. In people with hip dysplasia, the socket is too shallow, which means the hip can become unstable or dislocate. Usually, hip dysplasia only affects one hip, most often the left one, but it can affect both at once.
If not treated, hip dysplasia can damage the hip joint. Over time, it can cause pain and the development of arthritis. In fact, it’s the one leading cause of early-onset hip arthritis in Australia.
Hip dysplasia is usually picked up in young babies but can be diagnosed in older children and adults.
What puts babies at risk of hip dysplasia?
Any baby can have hip dysplasia, but some people have a higher risk of the condition than others.
Hip dysplasia is more common in:
- babies born breech (feet first instead of headfirst)
- people who have a family history of hip conditions
- females – female babies are four times more likely than male babies to have hip dysplasia
- twins
- a pregnant person’s firstborn child.
Hip dysplasia can also be caused or made worse in babies by wrapping, swaddling or carrying techniques that pull their legs down or leave their legs hanging, causing strain on the hip joint.
How can I prevent hip dysplasia in my child?
Not all cases of hip dysplasia are preventable, but there are things you can do to lower your child’s risk, particularly when it comes to how you wrap, swaddle, sleep and carry your baby.
How to wrap or swaddle babies for healthy hips
When wrapping or swaddling your baby, it’s important that their legs aren’t pulled straight down. Instead, they should be able to splay outwards in the ‘M’ or ‘froggie’ position. Keep their legs loose so your baby can move them upwards and out to the side.
When buying a swaddle, look for a hip healthy product and follow the instructions provided for proper use.
Some babies really like turning their head to one side when sleeping. Always having their head turned one way can change how their hips are positioned. Try turning your baby’s head to the other side regularly. This can also prevent their skull from becoming flat in one area.
You should always follow the safe sleeping guidelines from Red Nose every time and everywhere your baby sleeps.
How to wear your baby in a carrier, wrap or sling for healthy hips
When carrying or wearing your baby in a sling, wrap or carrier, their legs should always be sitting out to the side in the ‘M’ or ‘froggie’ position, with support under their bottom and legs to the knee. Their legs should not point straight downwards or lie together across your body.
Follow the T.I.C.K.S system to keep your baby comfortable and safe when carrying them:
- Tight – they should be secure in the carrier
- In view – you should always be able to see their face
- Close – their head should be close enough for you to kiss
- Keep their chin up – your baby’s chin should be up off their chest
- Supported – your baby’s back should be supported
When buying a carrier, sling or wrap, look for a hip healthy product and follow the instructions provided for proper use.
You can also use Raising Children’s guide to finding a baby carrier or sling that is safe for you and your baby.
What are the signs of hip dysplasia in babies and toddlers?
Your doctor or child health nurse should check your baby regularly for hip dysplasia as they grow. There are also signs and symptoms you can look out for, including:
- their hip joint ‘clicks’ when it’s rotated
- uneven creases under their bottom
- a crooked crease between their bottom cheeks
- one leg looks shorter than the other – you might see this when they’re lying down or with their legs pulled up to their chest
- uneven walking, limping or swaying side-to-side when they learn to walk
- late learning to sit up or walk.
Hip dysplasia doesn’t cause pain for babies and toddlers. In older children and adults, hip dysplasia might cause sharp pain in the groin area.
How is hip dysplasia treated?
The sooner a baby or child gets diagnosed with hip dysplasia, the easier treatment will be. If you think your child is showing signs of hip dysplasia, it’s important to show your doctor or child health nurse so they can investigate.
In babies, braces that hold the legs outwards are commonly used to treat the hips. These are made of soft material and might need to be worn for weeks or months. Some babies might require a brace made out of a plaster cast, but this is much less common than a material brace. Rarely, surgery is required to treat babies with hip dysplasia.
In older children and adults, a number of treatments might be required to help keep the hip functioning for as long as possible. These can include anti-inflammatory injections, steroid treatment and physiotherapy. Surgery is sometimes used to treat older children and adults. Some adults with hip dysplasia will require hip replacement surgery.
More information
You can find more information about hip dysplasia and caring for a child being treated for hip dysplasia at the links below.