Question
My son is 3 and a half years old, and the doctor said he has congenital developmental hip dislocation. How serious is developmental hip dislocation? What are the potential impacts? What should be done if treatment is needed?
Answer
The earlier the treatment for developmental hip dislocation, the better the outcome. The specific treatment method varies depending on the age of the affected child and the pathological changes. For infants under 6 months old, the height of the lower limb can be gradually reset. Traction devices such as trapezoidal urine pillows, frog splints, or Pavlik harnesses can be used for a treatment period of 3 to 4 months, which can usually result in complete healing. For children between 2 and 3 years old, conservative treatment under anesthesia is typically required. Frog-shaped casts or orthodontic retainers are used for 2 to 4 months, after which they are switched to standing frame casts or skeletal retainers. After one month of treatment, the results are generally satisfactory. The severity of developmental hip dislocation and the effectiveness of treatment vary from individual to individual, so it is important to seek professional medical advice and treatment plans promptly.