Berkeley Parents Network: Hip Dysplasia

Berkeley Parents Network

Hip Dysplasia

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Advice about Health > Hip Dysplasia

May 2002

Does anyone have expereince with a newborn diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)? With the harnesses and the anxiety about managing a baby with this condition we would love to speak with a parent who has gone through this recently. Thank you.

My cousin's baby, a girl who was breech and delivered by cesarean, had hip dysplasia. It's apparently common in breech females. She wore the harness for several months, which was a source of anxiety to the parents, because it made it harder to dress her, and she didn't like it, etc. All those cute newborn-size clothes gone to waste, too! But after the four months were up, it was over and forgotten. She's three now and has absolutely no signs of problems. Good luck, don't worry. VM

I haven't had a baby with hip dysplasia so I can't really share your fears but thought my experience might be of some help to you. At age 47 I recently saw an orthopedist for my progressively 'achey' hip. An X-ray showed that I have hip dysplasia and the orthopedist said that it is a congenital defect. I have two teenagers and have learned over the years that the more clear you are about things the less anxiety you will feel. Take consolation in the fact that you are doing what you have to do for your child's wellbeing. I know the harnesses are often quite successful and will save your child lots of future trouble! Concentrate on the love and try to let go of the anxiety. (easier said than done, of course...) Anonymous

Our daughter, now 13 mos. old, was breech, and was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia by an ultrasound the day after she was born. We were referred to Scott Hoffinger at Children's Hospital. The ultrasound seemed to indicate shallow hip sockets, although neither the pediatrician nor the orthopedist could dislocate her hips. She was fitted with a brace (the ''Rhino Cruiser''!) which she wore for about 12 weeks, first full-time, then only when sleeping. At first it made the diaper changes that much more of a hassle, but we soon got used to it. Our daughter's condition was followed first by ultrasound, then by X-ray, until she was about 7 mos. old. She seems to be doing fine now, but we'll have another X-ray in another 6 mos. We're glad that she was in the brace early, before she was mobile, so it didn't impact her as much. Our pediatrician says that hip dysplasia can be pretty common in girls, esp. breech girls. Good luck! Lianna

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