Congenital Hip Dysplasia
Orthobridge Institute provides a diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Kenya
who are experiencing complications from hip dysplasia.
Congenital Hip Dysplasia Treatment in Kenya
It can range from very mild, such as just having loose ligaments around the hip, to severe, where the hip is dislocating (popping out) from the hip joint.
A dysplastic hip can also lead to an acetabular labral tear (a torn labrum, which is a soft tissue that lines and secures the hip joint socket).
Most people with hip dysplasia are born with the condition.
Hip joint specialists in Kenya at Orthobridge Orthopedic Centre are committed to easing your pain and restoring as much function as possible.
We treat hip defects in infants and children, including congenital dysplasia and congenital dislocation. It’s important to address these issues early because they will worsen as your child grows. Contact us today.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia?
The underlying cause of hip dysplasia hasn’t been identified, but there are some genetic factors that may cause the congenital (present at birth) defect that results in hip dysplasia.
The risk of developmental hip dysplasia is higher for:
- Children with a positive family history of DDH in a first-degree relative
- Females, who have looser ligaments than males
- First-born babies, whose fit in the uterus is tighter than in later babies
- Breech babies, whose constrained position tends to strain the joint’s ligaments
- Improper swaddling techniques used during infancy that place abnormal and excessive pressures on the joint during its critical early growth and development phase can also cause congenital hip dysplasia.
Symptoms of Congenital Hip Dysplasia
People who have hip dysplasia exhibit signs like an outward turning or another abnormal positioning of the affected hip and decreased range of motion in the affected hip, as well as issues like leg length discrepancy and uneven skin folds in the thigh or buttock associated with the affected hip.
Common symptoms of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may include:
- Pain in the groin and/or on the side or back of the hip joint.
- The leg on the side of the dislocated hip may appear shorter and outward.
- The folds in the skin of the thigh or buttocks may appear uneven.
- The space between the legs may look wider than normal.
- During diaper changes, one hip may be less flexible than the other.
- In some cases, you might experience a sensation of instability in the hip.
Complications of Congenital Hip Dysplasia
Later in life, hip dysplasia can damage the soft cartilage (labrum) that rims the socket portion of the hip joint. This is called a hip labral tear.
Over time, patients who have hip dysplasia are more likely to develop arthritis of the hip as they get older, this occurs because of higher contact pressures over a smaller surface of the socket.
Arthritis wears away the smooth cartilage on the bones that helps them glide against each other as the joint moves raising the chances of developing arthritis and require hip replacement surgery.
If frequent corrective surgeries cause marked skeletal changes and soft tissue scarring, this can restrict the normal movement of the joint.
Is Hip Dysplasia Preventable?
To prevent hip dysplasia:
- Avoid tight swaddling with the thighs and legs bound together.
- Proper babywearing that supports the baby’s hips in a V form with their knees higher than their bottom. It supports the hips and keeps the ball of the hip tight into the socket.
- Choosing a safe baby carrier is also very important as it helps to support the baby’s hips correctly. Choose a sling that supports the legs, taking the pressure off of the hips. It is better to avoid carriers that just support the crotch, leaving the legs to hang down and dangle in an unnatural position.
- Choose a safe car seat, look at how much space there is between where baby’s knees will be so that baby has room to spread his or her legs in the frog-like position.
- Have regular appointments with your pediatrician for examinations as your child grows. This is especially important during the first six months of life because pediatricians are trained in techniques to detect this common condition.
Diagnosis of Congenital Hip Dysplasia
The first step to treating developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is to form a complete and accurate diagnosis.
The doctor will take your child’s history, including the position of the baby during pregnancy and the family history, including any hip problems.
When developmental hip dysplasia is present at birth, the abnormality may be detected during a routine physical examination of the newborn.
The highly sophisticated MRI techniques provide images that show a clear distinction between bone and cartilage and helps to pinpoint the extent to which the labral tear is present.
Treatment for Congenital Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia treatment depends on the age of the affected person and the extent of the hip damage.
Usually, infants are treated with a soft brace, such as a Pavlik harness, that holds the ball portion of the joint firmly in its socket for several months. This helps the socket mold to the shape of the ball.
When the Pavlik harness fails to stabilize the hip, your doctor will decide whether another type of brace called abduction brace is recommended. If the hip becomes stable with an abduction brace, then the brace is used for around eight to 12 weeks.
Surgical Treatment for Hip Dysplasia
For more serious cases, hip dysplasia in a skeletally immature child can be treated with a variety of different surgical procedures of the pelvis and acetabulum.
In a skeletally mature teenager or young adult, a procedure called periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is done. In this procedure, portions of the pelvis are cut in order to reposition the acetabulum so that it gives better coverage to the femoral head. Screws are then placed in the bones to stabilize this position.
This surgery has great potential to prevent or delay hip arthritis, especially if it is performed prior to irreversible cartilage injury, such as a torn labrum.
Hip arthroscopy may also be performed along with a PAO in selected patients (for example, to repair the labrum).
During hip replacement surgery, the upper portion of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a strong prosthetic that features a ball-shaped end.
The cup-shaped acetabulum is also restored, and in some cases, a bone graft procedure is also performed to “rebuild” the upper portion of the socket.
Hip Joint Treatment in Kenya with Col (Dr) Adari
Success rates are high for hip dysplasia treatments at Orthobridge Institute, an orthopedic center in Kenya. Any patient who has been treated for hip dysplasia must still be followed periodically by an orthopedist until skeletal growth is complete.
A trusted orthopedic surgeon in Kenya, Col (Dr) Adari, monitors the repaired hip since it needs to grow normally through the whole growth period in order to be durable for a lifetime and minimize risk for early arthritis.
The hip specialist in Kenya at Orthobridge Orthopedic Centre provides comprehensive treatment — including evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, and follow-up care for individuals with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
How we will treat your hip condition depends on the complexity and severity of the condition — as well as age, overall health, and medical history.
With extensive experience in joint replacement techniques, Col (Dr) Adari provides the highest-quality orthopedic care based on the unique needs of each patient for optimal outcomes following surgery.
If you are experiencing problems related to hip dysplasia or if you have other joint-related issues, feel free to contact us and schedule your evaluation today.
Hear from some of our patients
Out of country patients
https://www.orthobridgeorthopedics.com/col-dr-adari/Because of Col (Dr) Adari’s extensive training and experience in elbow arthroscopy, patients travel from all areas of the world for their elbow arthroscopy in Kenya.
If you are an out of the country patient, feel free to let us know so we can accommodate an appropriate time for your consultation with Col (Dr) Adari.
Col (Dr) Adari is known as a top-rated orthopedic & trauma surgeon for elbow arthroscopy in Nairobi, Kenya, and across East Africa, Central Africa, and West Africa.
If you are work – traveling expatriate on diplomatic missions, feel free to contact us so we can accommodate an appropriate time best suited to you for your consultation with Col (Dr) Adari.
Contact us today to reserve your consultation, we are more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have prior to seeing the doctor.
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