Healthy Habits: Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a condition that affects thousands of babies a year and can cause hip arthritis if undetected. Dr. Charles Price, Pediatric Orthopedist at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and head of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute has a great Q&A for more information.

 Q: What is hip dysplasia and when does it occur?

A: Hip Dysplasia occurs when children are born with the hip out of the socket or when the bones of the hip joint are not aligned correctly. This prevents the hip joint from functioning properly, thus causing the joint to wear out much faster.  hen babies are checked for the condition at birth about 2-3 babies per 1000 will require treatment, making it the most common newborn condition.  Recently orthopedists have also discovered cases of hip dysplasia developing after birth as a result of tight swaddling.

Q: Can hip dysplasia be corrected?

A: The earlier hip dysplasia is detected, the easier it is to correct without surgery.  

Q: How can post natal hip dysplasia be avoided?

Although swaddling an infant has many positive effects, often parents are taught to swaddle the baby's entire body tightly to create a cocoon.  The restriction of movement in the lower half of the body can lead to post-natal hip dysplasia. To help avoid post natal hip dysplasia, swaddle just the top half of baby's body and allow legs freedom of movement. Parents can learn more about safe swaddling.

Q: Is hip dysplasia painful?

A: Hip Dysplasia can be a "silent" condition meaning that pain is not normally felt until much later in life.  Undetected or "hidden" hip dysplasia is the most common cause of hip arthritis in young women under the age of 50.  It also accounts for about 10% of all total hip replacements in the U.S. each year, or approximately 35,000 from hip dysplasia.

Q5: How can we learn more?

A: For additional information on hip dysplasia, including safe swaddle tips and how to recognize it in your child, visit www.hipdysplasia.org.