What is Congenital Hip Dislocation?

It is when the child is born the hip may be unstable because the head of the femur (dome of the thigh bone) is not well centered & contained in its socket in the pelvis.

It is commoner in girls, esp. 1st child and with breech (Feet first) delivery. It can be more common in families who have a history of the same condition.  It is worth mentioning that the obstetrician doctor cannot be blamed at all because he simply has no role what so ever in causing it. This is one reason why we recently call it Developmental Dysplasia (Dislocation) of the hip, avoiding the term “Congenital”, as the error, in this case, is developmental occurring while the fetus (baby) is still in the womb (uterus) and NOT during birth.

How to diagnose it?

Every newborn baby should be examined by the pediatrician, and then referred to the Orthopedic surgeon if in doubt. Here we examine the baby and may ask for Ultrasound exam within the first 6 weeks. We may also ask for X-ray of the pelvis at three months of age.

When does treatment start?

Treatment should start as soon as it is diagnosed, the earlier the better.

What is the treatment?

Many people think that putting Double Nappies is a sort of treatment. This is not true. The proper treatment is to put a special brace which keeps the thighs apart. This should be followed up by the treating doctor periodically with X-rays as well. The Doctor will decide the follow-up dates and period, which is on average may last for 4-6 months. The last X-ray might be done at the age of walking if needed.

What about Surgery? when do you do it?

We usually do surgery in the rare event of failure of treatment with the brace. The surgery aims at restoring the hip back to normal where the head of the femur (the dome of the Thigh bone) is well covered in its socket in the pelvis.

How successful is the treatment?

The success rate in this condition is very high indeed, especially if diagnosed and treated early. I say it again to all parents: every newborn baby should be examined by the doctor. In case of any doubt, the baby should be seen by the orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.