X-ray
An x-ray is rarely taken in children with hip dysplasia. This is mainly due to the fact that the child’s hip joint is cartilaginous at the beginning, so that an x-ray would be of little value. Therefore, sonography is usually performed before the first year of life. However, if an operation should become necessary, an X-ray is unavoidable. In this case, the pelvis is x-rayed from front to back in order to assess the position of the femoral head and acetabulum.
Operation
In the case of childhood hip dysplasia, an attempt is usually made to avoid an operation. In some cases, however, a complete dislocation of the hip joint is not possible, so that surgery is necessary. Even in severe cases or if there is no significant improvement after 2-5 years of conservative therapy (at primary school age the hip joint is largely ossified, making surgery more complex), surgery is still unavoidable.
When choosing the surgical procedure, acetabuloplasty is usually chosen.This is an overhand grip that combines various pelvic osteotomies used in childhood. Examples of acetabuloplasty are The goal of any surgical procedure is to correct residual dysplasia. During the operation, parts of the pelvic and femoral bones are cut through and reattached in a changed position, so that the femoral head is adapted to the acetabulum.
This is especially important to avoid later consequential damage such as osteoarthritis of the hip joint. After the operation, the legs are immobilized for 6 weeks and then a splint is worn for several months. Regular check-ups and physiotherapy should ensure a successful rehabilitation. If you would like to learn more about surgery or hip joint arthrosis, you will find more information in the following articles:
- The osteotomy according to Pemberton
- The osteotomy according to Dega
- In the broadest sense also the Salter osteotomy
- Physiotherapy for hip dysplasia
- Surgery for hip dysplasia
- Hip joint arthrosis exercises
