Question
My baby is six months and six days old. Today, I suddenly noticed that when he stands, his right leg is straight while his left knee is bent. When I straighten it with my hand, it looks the same. Could this be a sign of hip joint issues?
Answer
At six months old, it’s not recommended for babies to stand frequently. There are many types of hip joint diseases. If suspected to be caused by developmental dysplasia of the hip joint, it is usually manifested as asymmetric gluteal creases on both sides. People with meniscus injury may show unequal length of both lower limbs, and those with synovitis or joint effusion will experience joint pain during active or passive movement. Children may show unwillingness or crying because they are too young to express themselves. It is best to go to the orthopedics or pediatric surgery clinic of a local private third-grade hospital for a detailed physical examination by a doctor. If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination can be performed for an accurate diagnosis. These examinations are non-invasive.