Question
A patient asks whether surgery is necessary after being diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia following an X-ray, and when they can start walking after the surgery.
Answer
It takes at least three months to start walking after surgery because internal fixation with a steel plate is used on the hip joint during the operation. It is recommended to have a follow-up visit one month after the surgery, during which the patient can move around with crutches but should not put weight on the ground. Additionally, they can take traditional Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation and bone healing. Generally, patients can walk independently after three months, and full recovery takes about six months.