Question
Why does pediatric hip dislocation occur?
Answer
Pediatric hip dislocation typically occurs due to improper development of the hip joint during the fetus’s three-month joint formation period, influenced by maternal diseases or other factors. This condition is more common in girls, with a ratio of about 1:5 between males and females. Parents should pay attention to checking their baby’s legs after birth to detect this condition early. Simple checks can be used to make an initial judgment: have the baby lie flat, bend the knees at a right angle, and make the thighs perpendicular to the body, observing whether the legs can naturally spread out. If the baby’s legs are stiff and cannot spread out, or if there are asymmetrical thigh textures or uneven leg lengths, these may be signs of pediatric hip dislocation. However, mild dislocations or subluxations may be difficult to confirm through manual examination, and the fat on the baby’s legs can affect the length assessment. Therefore, for infants under 6 months old, it is recommended to use ultrasound for confirmation. Since the bones of infants under 6 months old have not yet calcified, X-rays may not provide clear images and should be avoided to prevent unnecessary exposure to X-ray radiation. X-rays can be used for confirmation in babies over 10 months old. Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric hip dislocation are crucial. For infants between 3 and 6 months old, using a specialized harness for fixation is a non-invasive treatment method that usually achieves good results. For babies around 1 year old who have already started walking, they may need to undergo joint reduction and long-term plaster cast or brace fixation to recover. Children over 2 years old may require surgical treatment, with increasing age leading to greater surgical trauma and less effective outcomes. If not treated promptly, pediatric hip dislocation may lead to leg disability, affect walking posture, and cause pain while walking due to legs not being able to bear body weight. Therefore, early detection and treatment are key.