Question
My older child doesn’t walk very steadily and often limps, which worries me a great deal. A friend said this resembles congenital hip dislocation, as her colleague’s child had the same issue. What are the symptoms of congenital hip dislocation?
Answer
Dear parent, the symptoms in newborns and infants are usually not obvious and may not attract the attention of parents. Limping is often the only complaint reported by parents when seeking medical attention. In cases of unilateral dislocation, limping is present; in cases of bilateral dislocation, a waddling gait is observed. The child’s hip will be prominently posteriorly prominent, and the waist will show increased anterior convexity. The affected limb may be shortened and deformed, with possible manifestations of adductor muscle deformity in addition to shortening. Considering these symptoms, the possibility of congenital hip dislocation should be taken into account.