Hip dysplasia is a congenital maldevelopment of the acetabulum. The acetabulum is flattened and the femoral head cannot be properly anchored in the acetabular roof. Every third child is born with this malformation and in 40% of the cases the malformation is found on both sides. Girls are six times more frequently affected than boys. Depending on its severity, the newborn can be treated from the day of birth.
Exercises
Further exercises for general strengthening of the hip muscles can be found here: Physiotherapy for hip pain.
- The most important thing in hip joint dysplasia is the training of the hip muscles. Muscular differences are often present in hip dysplasia.
The abductors (the stabilizers in the hip joint) are usually too weak. Exercises such as bridging are suitable for this. The patient lies on the floor, the arms lie next to the body, the back is pressed down and the pelvis is raised.
The position is held as long as possible without any evasive movements. This exercise can be varied by tapping the feet, lifting one leg and moving the pelvis up and down.
- Squats are also an important part of the training program for hip dysplasia. The legs should be as far apart as possible so that a lot of tension is applied to the abductors.
This exercise can also be varied well. A theraband around the knees leads to increased tension, just like staying in the deep knee bend. With additional aids such as dumbbells or balls, the upper body can be trained at the same time.
- In general, a good torso stability is part of a good body feeling.
The lunge also trains the abductor group and, if executed correctly, ensures a proper leg axis.
- Stretching exercises are very important not only to train the hip muscles but also to keep them elastic. The M . Iliopsas (a hip muscle) and the M. Rectus femoris of the quadriceps (a part of the large, anterior thigh muscle) should be stretched.
The patient stands up and pulls his heel towards the buttocks. Alternatively, he can hang his leg over the edge of the bench in a supine position and try to pull the heel towards the buttocks, with the iliopsoas being stretched even more.
- The adductors should also be stretched. The patient stands in a lateral straddle and bends one leg. He pushes the weight towards the bent knee so that the stretched side gets more tension in the area of the adductors.
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