Developmental hip dislocation, which was formerly called congenital hip dislocation, is not a deformation that occurs during birth, contrary to popular belief. Developmental hip dislocation, which is usually seen in girls, occurs as a result of incompatibility between the head of the femur and the joint area of the pelvis, which forms the hip joint, or as a result of the hip joint not fully developing. In other words, hip dislocation in babies begins in the womb. Developmental hip dislocation is also called congenital hip dislocation, developmental hip deficiency and congenital hip dislocation.
In cases of developmental hip dislocation, the socket in the pelvis does not develop properly, resulting in the leg femur bone having to be placed in this socket. It cannot take the position and begins to develop outside the socket.
Genetic factors can be cited as the causes of developmental hip dislocation. Babies who have a family history of hip dislocation have an increased risk of developing this deformation. In addition to genetic factors; Neurological factors such as the baby being deprived of oxygen during birth or problems in the spine and deformations such as neck or foot curvature also trigger the possibility of hip dislocation. Considering all these reasons, developmental hip dislocations are examined in two different groups: hip dislocations that occur in the womb and those that occur during or immediately after birth.
Early diagnosis of developmental hip dislocation is very important. This condition, which is encountered in many babies today, can be easily treated with early diagnosis. If early diagnosis is delayed and not treated, it may lead to permanent disability in the patient.
It is very difficult for parents to detect developmental hip dislocation until the baby starts walking. Therefore, parents should pay attention to whether both of their newborn babies' legs are the same length, whether one of the legs moves less, and whether there are deformities in the baby's feet. If any of these conditions are observed, they should consult a doctor immediately.
As a result of all these checks, it is possible that no abnormality will be encountered in the baby. In such cases, there is a possibility of delay in the diagnosis of developmental hip dislocation. Therefore, experts state that the baby should undergo an orthopedic examination within the first 3 months.
In cases of developmental hip dislocation diagnosed at an early stage, non-surgical treatment can be applied. In this treatment method, the baby is placed in a position where the hip bone is pulled towards the abdomen with the knees apart, with the help of bandages and apparatus. Another method that can be applied is the frejka pillow. However, these methods are suitable for babies who are at most six months old. In case of delay in these treatment methods, the hip is repositioned under anesthesia. Although this treatment method is not a surgical operation, a plaster cast is applied after the procedure.
Surgical procedure may be required in babies who have passed the first 18 months of age. As the diagnosis and initiation of treatment is delayed, the size of the operations increases. Developmental hip dislocation patients who undergo surgery within the first 6 years are rarely able to complete the treatment. Children who have exceeded this age limit may undergo hip prosthesis or hip joint freezing surgeries in the following years.
Orthopedic devices are used if early diagnosis is made and treatment is started immediately. With this treatment method, the hip can be put back into place within 5-6 months. This treatment method is both short and painless. In cases where the diagnosis of developmental hip dislocation is delayed and the start of treatment is delayed, the treatment process extends over a much longer period and the pain caused by the surgeries becomes quite severe. There is also a possibility that the patient may become disabled if treatment is delayed.
There are things that should not be done in babies with developmental hip dislocation to prevent bigger problems in the hip. Wrapping the baby tightly and swaddling is one of them. Swaddling negatively affects the baby's hip development. Other factors that affect the baby's hip posture, just like swaddling, are diapers and clothing. Make sure that the diapers and clothes used for the baby are not tight or small. needs to be covered. The grip applied while breastfeeding and carrying the baby is also important. While holding, care should be taken to ensure that the baby's legs are not joined and that the baby is not carried by hugging him/her.
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