Prognosis and prophylaxis
The prognosis for a hip luxation in babies is generally very good if the malposition is detected early. The following applies: The earlier the malposition is detected, the better the prognosis. If the hip dislocation is detected and treated in the first few days after birth, the condition is almost always cured.
If treated adequately, late effects such as limping or pain are not to be expected. In older patients the prognosis is worse. The prognosis of a hip luxation therefore depends on the time of diagnosis and intervention.
In addition, it is therefore worth starting therapy early, as the bones are initially more malleable and a shorter duration of therapy is sufficient. The possible late consequences are characterized by malpositioning and poor posture with the resulting premature signs of wear. One complication is coxa valga.
This means that the angle of the neck of the femur meets the acetabulum too steeply. It is also possible that the child develops a hollow back due to the permanent malposition in the hip. Due to the incorrect, non-physiological load, excessive wear and tear of the joints takes place, with the risk of hip arthrosis and fracture of the femoral head.
Caution is also required when performing therapy with dislocations and spreading by means of spreading pants or plaster. If the spreading is too strong or not strong enough and the stress on the tissue during the dislocation is too massive, the blood supply to the femoral head may be reduced with the risk of necrosis of the femoral head. As a prophylaxis, it can be said that hip dysplasia is a congenital malposition that cannot be prevented.
However, there are methods of prophylaxis that at least reduce the probability of the occurrence of a hip luxation. It is important to lay and carry the baby after birth in such a way that the leg is bent further at the hip. Early stretching is the greatest risk factor for hip dislocation in the child.
Prone positions should be avoided. Carrying the baby in a sling with the hip slightly bent and spread out is also suitable as a prophylaxis to reduce the risk of hip luxation in the baby until the hip is fully developed.Other topics that might also be of interest to you: You can find all previously published topics in pediatrics at Pediatrics A-Z.
- Hip dysplasia in a child
- Hip dysplasia treatment
- Preventive examination for children
- Arthrosis of the hip
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