Hip Dysplasia
NYU’s Hospital of Joint Diseases (HJD) Center for Children is unique in that there are few hospitals in New York dealing with Hip Dysplasia using such advanced methods. The surgeons at the Center for Children have operated on hundreds of young people and adults and these knowledgeable, experienced individuals have published articles and, spoken extensively at medical conference and symposiums on this subject.
Definition
Hip Dysplasia, also known as Acetabular Dysplasia or a Shallow Hip Pocket, can occur anytime during childhood, adolescence, and even into early adulthood. Dysplasia describes an abnormal development of tissue and the disease forms in utero. Any process that interferes with development of the tissue that forms the ball and socket of the hip may interfere with hip growth and its development. It is important to treat hip dysplasia as early as possible to prevent long-term complications.
Causes
The exact cause of Hip Dysplasia is not known but there are thought to be several factors that contribute to this condition. Some risk factors include:
- A family history of hip dysplasia
- Lack of intrauterine fluid
- Babies born in the breech position
Risk Factors
In general, the cause of Hip Dysplasia is unknown thus there are no known risk factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms in a young child or infant include:
- Delayed walking
- One leg being longer than the other or, some type of limb length inequality
In older children and adolescents, the symptoms can be:
- Pain when moving that appears in the groin area and goes down the inside of the thigh
With adolescence and adulthood symptoms can be:
- A limp and pain either at rest or, with certain activities.
Diagnosis
In addition to physical tests, our physicians use X-rays and ultrasound scans to confirm diagnosis and to plan treatment.
Treatment
Surgical Care
For an adolescent child or adult, the Periacetabular Osteotomy / Ganz treatment preserves and enhances the patient's own hip joint rather as opposed to replacing it with an artificial part. The treatment can alleviate pain, restore function, and maximize the life of the hip for those suffering from Hip Dysplasia.
Non-surgical Care
The Pavlik Harness is a strap like a brace. With the Pavlik Harness, the harness is put onto the chest of the baby while straps, one for each leg, are hung in order to separate the legs horizontally. This method enables the hip to slowly, over the first few weeks it is worn, work its way into the joint, and inside the ball work its way into the socket. It will also help the socket develop over time.
Another method used in the treatment of Hip Dysplasia is the Van Rosen Splint which is an alternative brace to the Pavlik Harness. The Van Rosen Splint easily shapes to the patient and bathing and diaper change are possible. With this method the splint is attached to the baby's back and clamps, one for each leg, keep the legs separated.
The Hip Spica Cast is also used by doctors at the Hospital for Joint Diseases Center for Children in rare circumstances. The Hip Spica Cast usually goes from right below the nipple line to the ankles and may cover one or both hips and lower extremities to hold in place a hip that is dislocated or fractured.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent Hip Dysplasia.
Resources
The Wallace B. Lehman, M.D. Center for Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/wallace.html
The New York Institute for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/limb.html
The Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation and Pediatric Medicine
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/ped_rehab.html
The NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Department
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/rehabilitation.html
Child Life Program at Center for Children
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/child_life.html
Music Therapy at Center for Children
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/music_therapy.html
To make an appointment at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Center for Children, please call 212-598-6205