Summary | Physiotherapy for hip dysplasia

Summary

Hip dysplasia is a congenital malposition of the hip joint and occurs in about 2 – 3% of newborns. During the growth of the hip joint of a newborn, there is delayed bone formation at the acetabulum, which is still made of cartilaginous connective tissue immediately after birth. Consequently, the femoral head is not properly secured in the joint and does not have its physiological position.

When the leg is moved, dislocations (dislocations) are more likely to occur. Since hip dysplasia is a congenital developmental disorder or malposition of the hip joint, the success of physiotherapeutic treatment is limited. In infants and babies, early fixation and additional mobilizing physiotherapeutic treatment can positively influence the growth of the acetabulum, so that malpositions can be avoided.

If these malpositions exist in adults, symptomatic therapy is recommended. The muscles that fix the hip joint (extensors and abductors) should be trained and tense muscles stretched. In physiotherapy, massage techniques and other soft tissue treatments are used to reduce possible pain. If symptoms are very severe, corrective surgery must be considered.