Congenital Dislocation Causes
Many children are born each year with congenital hip disorders that will require treatment. These disorders are caused by incomplete development of the hip before birth. This makes the hip joint vulnerable to injury and reduces the stability that is usually found in the hip or pelvis. This condition is more likely with your first baby because the baby may not be able to move around as well in your uterus. If your child is born in a breech presentation this puts stress on the hips and may cause problems during development as well. Other factors that may contribute to congenital dislocation may include other family members who have this disorder or if there is not enough fluid surrounding your child in the womb. There are many factors that can affect the congenital dislocation causes and symptoms.
Congeni
tal Dislocation Symptoms
There are many symptoms involved with congenital dislocation or hip dysplasia. These symptoms are usually very visible at birth and thereafter as well. Infants will be observed at birth for the position of their legs, the length of each leg, normal motion of the legs, and symmetry of the pelvis. Children will be evaluated on an ongoing basis in the first two years of life as well to be sure that this disorder does not occur later. Older infants or toddlers may experience a delay in development and may have difficulty crawling or walking. All of these factors will alert your pediatrician to the possibility of congenital dislocation. Congenital dislocation causes and symptoms should never be ignored due to the risk of complications later in your child’s life.
Congenital Dislocation Diagnosis
Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose congenital dislocation causes and symptoms from a simple physical exam. Your pediatrician will move your child’s hips around to check for abnormal motion or for odd sounds during movement that would indicate that the hip is not working correctly. This exam is very accurate and the tests are not invasive. The Ortalani test moves your child’s hip and leg up and out while the Barlow test does just the opposite. This will explore the total range of motion of the hip and make sure that your child is developing well in this area.
Congenital Dislocation Treatment
Treatment of congenital dislocation causes and symptoms has very good outcomes in infants who are diagnosed below the age of six months. These children usually grow into adulthood with normal joint placement and function after wearing a Pavlik Sling or Harness. This will keep your babies hips positioned correctly and provide support to the effected joint. This will allow your child to gain better mobility and prevent other complications later. Older children may need surgery and repeat consults with an orthopedist to monitor their condition until adulthood.
Congenital Dislocation Outcomes
This disorder has a good prognosis and will likely resolve with appropriate screening and treatment during the first six months of life. It’s very important that your child be monitored through regular visits with your pediatrician and that he or she be examined as soon as possible after birth as well. Older children seem to have poorer outcomes with an increased risk for arthritis if treatment or screenings are delayed.