What are the signs that I could look for if I suspect my child has a hip dislocation or Hip Dysplasia?
There are different signs of hip dysplasia depending on the age of the child, but even complete hip dislocation is not painful before adolescence. Uneven buttock creases or extra folds of skin at the upper thigh can be a sign that there is a leg length difference due to hip dislocation in an infant. These can also be normal findings. A decrease in flexibility may also be noted during diapering. If the hips can’t be almost fully stretched out to the side, this can be due to tight muscles or a hip dislocation. After walking age a waddling or uneven gait can be a sign of hip dislocation. When both hips are affected hip dysplasia may be harder to detect.
