Hips in babies - fear not the harness!
Navigating the Confusing World of Clicky Hips
Has any health professional ever thrown a curveball by asking about your baby's hips at birth? They might be checking for something called Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH), and we're here to demystify it with you.
What are clicky hips in babies?
Imagine your baby's hip as a ball and socket joint – like a tiny disco ball in a velvet-covered socket. In hip dysplasia, that disco ball joint hasn't quite formed its groove, leaving the socket a bit too small and the tendons and muscles are loose. Result? The ball might slip partially or completely out of the joint
What causes hip dysplasia?
Well, if your tiny tot's hips are a bit 'clicky', it might be a sign that the joint party isn't quite on track. The reasons are still a bit mysterious but risk factors include breech (born feet first), female babies, low fluid around the baby in the womb, birth weight over 4kg, a first born baby, an overdue by 2 weeks, family history of DDH and other tendon problems such as club foot and neck stiffness. It's like the baby universe has its own set of guidelines, right?
What to look out for:
Difference in your baby’s leg length
Uneven creases near baby’s bottom (more creases on one side than another)
Baby isn’t moving legs normally
Difficulty parting legs for nappy changes
Don’t panic though if you see these - it’s not an exact science and some of our adorable croissant legged babies just have a few extra creases right? The best thing you can do is to check in with a health professional and will send you for an ultrasound if warranted. This usually happens around the 6 week old mark. If your baby is over 6 months, then an X-ray will be used.
How to treat hip dysplasia:
Treatment is guided by age and abnormality of the hip. For newborns up to 12 months, a soft brace called a Pavlik harness is recommended and worn daily for up to 6 - 12 weeks. I know this brings fear to all parents - how will my baby tolerate it?! How do I keep them cool in summer?! Will this delay their development?! Try to imagine it as a cute, customisable accessory for your little one that is crucial to their long term development. Your baby will catch up and will be thriving once the brace is off.
What if my baby’s hips don’t improve?
Sometimes, surgical treatment is needed if the hip joint has moved too much, or if the child is older than 12 months. There are two types of surgeries depending on age and hip presentation:
6 - 24 months: closed reduction - doctors will physically move the hip bones into a desirable position (while the child is under general anaesthetic) without needing to cut open the skin.
10 months old or a more severe dislocation: open reduction - surgeons will make an incision near the hip, and surgically move the bones into a better position.
After this, a hip spica (plaster cast) is put on to ensure the hip heals in place which may be on for a few months - but remember, it’s a small tradeoff for a lifetime of happy, healthy movement.
How can our physiotherapists help?
Assess and monitor your little ones hips
Guide exercises and recommendations if your child is at risk
Give you strategies to encourage baby’s milestone development while in harness
Pre surgery - strengthen muscles around hip to make recovery process easier
Post surgery - strengthen those muscles and improve range of motion
Feeling a bit uneasy about your baby's hips? Fear not, remember most cases of hip dysplasia are found early and improve with simple treatment. Our physios will provide the support your little one needs to twirl, twist and tango their way to their full potential.