Hip dysplasia in children. Tips, recommendations, diagnostics

Dysplasia of the hip joints in children is a fairly common disease. This is a rather severe pathology, which is characterized by incomplete development of all elements in the hip joint. Bones, ligaments, capsules, joints, muscles, vessels, nerves - all these organs are not formed properly. The spatial relationship of the head of the femur and the acetabulum is disturbed.

The causes of this ailment can only be determined by the doctor, having conducted an in-depth examination. There are several reasons for this, from adverse heredity and age factor, to toxicosis and infectious diseases during pregnancy. But if the child has dysplasia, the cause of the occurrence is not too important, the main thing is to eliminate the existing problem more quickly.

Timely diagnosis and proper treatment of this disease can cure the child without special complications. Usually the presence of an innate dislocation is determined by the doctor immediately at the time of the birth of the child or in the early days of his life. But dysplasia (especially light forms, which, nevertheless, require adequate and timely treatment) is much harder to identify. But there is an opportunity to conduct a test on your own. For this, it is necessary to compare the legs of the baby when it lies in a calm state. If one of the legs looks slightly shorter than the other, this may be one of the signs of the disease. Then you need to put your hands on the baby's knees, bend the legs in the knees and spread them to the sides. Is there a click? Then take turns to take the baby's thighs to the sides. If he cried at the same time, this is not a good sign. Put the baby on your stomach and see how asymmetrical creases on his legs. Further, having clasped hands of a shin, it is necessary to bend legs in knees and to spread them in the parties. Do you have a feeling that one of the legs is easier to remove and the other is tighter? In the case of at least one positive response, you must immediately contact a specialist (pediatric orthopedist). Through examination, ultrasound and radiography, he will put a more accurate diagnosis.

In order to prevent the development and progression of the disease, several simple recommendations must be followed. Dysplasia of the hip joints in children is perfectly preventable with the help of slings, but only if the baby is worn vertically with the "frog" legs apart. According to the research, the hips of the crumbs are in the ideal position, which corresponds to the anatomical norm. Among other things, the child feels comfortable and comfortable enough. However, if the youngster has a sufficiently pronounced degree of dysplasia, this method will not be enough.

If you do not take appropriate measures in a timely manner, dysplasia of the hip joints in children can provoke the development of scoliosis, gait disturbances (the so-called "duck walk"). So, in the future, it can go to disability.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in children

Coping with this disease is possible, but it will be necessary to be patient. To begin with, the doctor will determine the set of procedures that must be passed to the patient. The appointment takes place taking into account the age and degree of pathological changes. In the early stages, procedures of electrophoresis, paraffin applications, and administration of preparations containing calcium proved to be well established. Also prescribe sea baths, gymnastics and massage.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment can achieve better results. For example, in Germany, all newborns are referred for ultrasound examination of the hip joints, which makes it possible to notice the problem in time and prescribe a conservative treatment that allows achieving quite good results. For normal joint formation and prevention of subluxation or dislocation of the hip, it is necessary to master the technique of wide swaddling. How to do it will show the attending physician - orthopedist. For this, even there are special panties, but ordinary diapers are quite suitable. Treatment of hip dysplasia in newborn babies excludes tight swaddling ("soldier") - this situation only aggravates the existing problems. It is also necessary to carry out special gymnastics, including various exercises, including hip removal. Exercises should be performed several times a day, ideally - every time you change clothes.

Dysplasia of the hip joints in older children (requires the use of special corrective devices, such as Pavlik's stirrups, Vilensky's bus, or a retractor.

In case of untimely and irrational treatment, as well as failure to comply with all the prescriptions of the doctor, the child may need surgery.