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Hip Dysplasia Treatment Pune
Get expert hip dysplasia treatment in Pune with orthopedic surgeons providing early diagnosis, surgical correction, and customized rehabilitation.
Overview
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a hip condition that affects how the hip joint develops in babies and young children. In this condition, the hip socket doesn’t properly cover the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone, leading to various degrees of hip instability or dislocation.
In a healthy hip, the round head of the thigh bone (called the femoral head) fits snugly into the cup-shaped hip socket in the pelvis. The joint is held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, with DDH, the hip socket may be too shallow, or the surrounding tissues might be too loose, allowing the femoral head to move abnormally or slip out of place.
DDH ranges from mild hip instability to complete hip dislocation. While some mild cases resolve on their own, others require prompt treatment to prevent serious long-term problems. Early detection and treatment are crucial for ensuring normal hip development and preventing complications like hip arthritis in adulthood.
This condition primarily affects otherwise healthy children and is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in newborns.
Symptoms
DDH often doesn’t cause pain in babies, making it challenging to detect without proper screening. Healthcare providers routinely check for DDH during newborn examinations and well-baby visits. However, certain signs may indicate the condition:
In Babies (Before Walking):
- One leg appears shorter than the other
- Uneven skin folds on the thighs or buttocks
- Limited ability to spread the legs apart during diaper changes
- One leg turns outward more than the other
- Hip joint that moves differently or feels less stable
In Walking Children:
- Noticeable limp or waddling walk
- Walking on tiptoes on one foot
- Uneven gait patterns
- Delayed walking or sitting
- Leg length difference
In Teenagers and Adults:
- Hip pain, especially in the groin area
- Feeling of hip instability
- Limp or altered walking pattern
- Reduced hip flexibility
- Early signs of hip arthritis
Causes
The exact cause of DDH isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to result from a combination of factors that affect hip development during pregnancy and early infancy.
The hip joint forms through the interaction between the thigh bone and hip socket. At birth, these structures are mostly soft cartilage that gradually hardens into bone. For proper development, the femoral head must fit snugly in the hip socket so they can shape each other correctly.
Several factors can interfere with this process:
- Crowded conditions in the womb during the final month
- Positioning that pushes the femoral head out of its proper place
- Hormonal influences that affect ligament strength
Genetic Factors:
- Family history of DDH increases risk
- Certain genetic variations more common in some populations
- Inherited tendency toward loose ligaments
Risk Factors
While any baby can develop DDH, certain factors significantly increase the risk:
High-Risk Factors:
- Female babies (four times more likely than boys)
- Breech position during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester
- Family history of DDH
- First-born children
- Large babies or multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
Environmental Factors:
- Tight swaddling with legs straight and together
- Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy
- Being born after the due date
- Presence of other conditions like clubfoot or neck stiffness
DDH more commonly affects the left hip (about 64% of cases) due to typical positioning in the womb.
Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis of DDH is essential for successful treatment. The diagnostic process involves physical examination and imaging studies.
Physical Examination: Healthcare providers use specific techniques to check for DDH:
- Ortolani test: Gently moving the hip to see if a dislocated hip can be repositioned
- Barlow test: Checking if a positioned hip can be pushed out of place
- Observing for limited hip movement, uneven skin folds, or leg length differences
Imaging Studies: The choice of imaging depends on the child’s age:
For Babies Under 4 Months:
- Hip ultrasound is preferred because cartilage doesn’t show on X-rays
- Shows the hip socket shape and femoral head position
- Can detect hip instability and dislocation
For Children Over 4 Months:
- X-rays become more useful as bones harden
- Special measurements help identify hip abnormalities
- May require CT scan or MRI in complex cases
Types
DDH includes several types of hip abnormalities:
Severity Levels:
- Hip instability: Mild looseness of the hip joint
- Hip dysplasia: Shallow or underdeveloped hip socket
- Hip subluxation: Partial contact between bones
- Hip dislocation: Femoral head completely out of socket
Location:
- Unilateral: Affecting one hip (more common)
- Bilateral: Affecting both hips
Special Types:
- Shallow hip socket with normal femoral head
- Abnormal femoral head angle
- Rare genetic forms causing irregular bone shape
Treatment
DDH treatment aims to position the femoral head properly in the hip socket to allow normal development. Treatment varies based on the child’s age and severity of the condition.
Newborns to 4 Weeks:
- Mild cases may be monitored as many resolve naturally
- Pavlik harness for more severe cases
- Regular check-ups to monitor progress
1 to 6 Months:
- Pavlik harness is the most common treatment
- Soft brace holds legs in a “frog-like” position
- Worn 23 hours daily for 6-12 weeks
- Success rate of about 90% when used properly
- Regular ultrasound monitoring
6 to 18 Months:
- Closed reduction under anesthesia if harness fails
- Hip spica cast to hold the hip in position
- CT scan or MRI to confirm proper positioning
18 Months to 8 Years:
- Hip surgery (open reduction) often needed
- Correction of hip socket abnormalities
- Possible bone reshaping procedures
- Spica cast after surgery
Older Children and Adults:
- Pelvic osteotomy to improve hip socket coverage
- Hip preservation surgery for young adults
- Hip replacement for severe arthritis
Rehabilitation
Untreated or inadequately treated DDH can lead to serious long-term problems:
Long-term Complications:
- Hip arthritis developing in young adulthood
- Chronic hip pain and stiffness
- Limp and altered walking patterns
- Leg length inequality
- Reduced quality of life and activity limitations
Treatment-Related Complications:
- Avascular necrosis (bone death) from treatment
- Nerve damage during harness use
- Skin irritation from braces or casts
- Residual hip dysplasia despite treatment
- Need for additional surgeries
Prevention of Complications:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Proper use of treatment devices
- Early recognition of problems
- Compliance with rehabilitation programs
Complications
Untreated or inadequately treated DDH can lead to serious long-term problems:
Long-term Complications:
- Hip arthritis developing in young adulthood
- Chronic hip pain and stiffness
- Limp and altered walking patterns
- Leg length inequality
- Reduced quality of life and activity limitations
Treatment-Related Complications:
- Avascular necrosis (bone death) from treatment
- Nerve damage during harness use
- Skin irritation from braces or casts
- Residual hip dysplasia despite treatment
- Need for additional surgeries
Prevention of Complications:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Proper use of treatment devices
- Early recognition of problems
- Compliance with rehabilitation programs
Prevention
While DDH cannot be completely prevented, especially when genetic factors are involved, certain measures can reduce the risk:
Safe Swaddling Practices:
- Allow babies’ hips and knees to bend freely
- Avoid tight wrapping with legs straight
- Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques
- Ensure adequate room for leg movement
Proper Baby Positioning:
- Use baby carriers that support hip development
- Avoid prolonged time in car seats or bouncy seats
- Position babies with hips spread around the torso
- Keep knees slightly higher than buttocks
Early Detection:
- Attend all scheduled pediatric appointments
- Be aware of DDH risk factors
- Report concerns about hip development promptly
- Follow screening recommendations for high-risk babies
Living With DDH
Living with DDH varies greatly depending on when it’s diagnosed and how well treatment works.
For Babies and Young Children: Most children diagnosed and treated early have excellent outcomes with no lasting problems. They typically need to wear a brace for several months but can then develop normally.
For Older Children and Adults: Those diagnosed later or with residual hip dysplasia may need ongoing management:
- Regular monitoring with X-rays
- Physical therapy to maintain hip strength
- Activity modifications to protect the hip
- Pain management strategies
- Potential for future surgeries
Daily Life Adaptations:
- Maintain good posture during sitting and standing
- Choose appropriate exercises and activities
- Use supportive devices when needed
- Stay informed about hip health
- Communicate openly with healthcare providers
Long-term Outlook: With proper treatment, most people with DDH lead normal, active lives. However, some may develop hip arthritis earlier than usual, requiring ongoing care and possibly hip replacement surgery later in life.
Key Takeaways
- DDH is a common hip condition affecting babies and children where the hip socket doesn’t properly cover the femoral head
- Early diagnosis through newborn screening and hip ultrasound is crucial for successful treatment
- Risk factors include being female, breech position, family history, and improper swaddling
- The Pavlik harness is highly effective for treating DDH in young infants
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential components of treatment
- Prevention focuses on hip-healthy swaddling and proper baby positioning
- Most children treated early have excellent long-term outcomes
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand the importance of early detection and comprehensive treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. Our experienced pediatric orthopedic specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques including hip ultrasound and specialized imaging to accurately assess DDH in infants and children.
We offer a complete range of treatment options from conservative management with Pavlik harness fitting to complex hip surgery when needed. Our multidisciplinary team includes orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and specialized nursing staff who work together to provide personalized care for each child.
We also emphasize family education about hip-healthy practices and provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to ensure optimal outcomes.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to excellence in pediatric orthopedics, Sancheti Hospital is dedicated to helping children with DDH achieve healthy hip development and lead active, fulfilling lives.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be able to play sports normally after DDH treatment?
Most children treated successfully for DDH can participate in all sports and activities without restrictions. However, your doctor may recommend avoiding high-impact activities until the hip is fully mature.
Can I still breastfeed my baby while they're wearing a Pavlik harness?
Yes, you can breastfeed normally with the Pavlik harness. The harness is designed to allow feeding, diaper changes, and bonding. Many mothers find side-lying positions most comfortable.
How do I know if the Pavlik harness is working correctly?
Regular ultrasound checks will show if the hip is improving. At home, watch for your baby moving both legs equally and gaining weight normally. Contact your doctor if you notice decreased leg movement or skin irritation.
If DDH runs in my family, will all my children have it?
Having a family history increases risk, but it doesn’t guarantee your other children will have DDH. The risk is about 6% for siblings and 12% if a parent had DDH. Proper screening at birth can detect it early if present.
