What Are the Treatments for Congenital Hip Dislocation?
Congenital hip dislocation, also called developmental dislocation of the hip or DDH, is an abnormality that occurs at birth or shortly afterward. In a dislocated hip, the top of the thigh bone or femur does not touch the acetabulum, or hip socket. The treatment depends on the child’s age. Diagnosis Health-care providers examine newborns for symptoms of hip dislocation. These exams include manipulation of the hips to sense a clunk, and a visual exam for uneven folds in the skin of the upper thigh. During routine exams, pediatricians test babies for hip dislocation. Treatment for Newborns and Infants A Pavlik harness is the treatment for hip dislocation in newborns. This apparatus positions the femur into the socket and holds it into place. The harness is usually used for one to two months. To treat a hip dislocation in children aged 1 to 6 months, the doctor anesthetizes the infant before positioning the femur. Then the doctor puts the infant into a body cast to hold the leg in the corr
