What to know about hip dysplasia in children

In babies, the hip may be loose or the socket may be shallow. It may cause no obvious discomfort. Possible clues include uneven skin folds, different leg lengths, limited opening of one hip or a click noticed during care, although these signs do not confirm the diagnosis. In an older child, limping, a waddling walk, reduced hip movement or activity-related discomfort may be noticed. A clinician uses an examination and, when appropriate, ultrasound or an X-ray to assess development.

Keep scheduled child-health and orthopaedic appointments, even when your child seems comfortable. Follow instructions for any harness, brace or cast exactly, and check the skin where it touches. During carrying or swaddling, allow the hips to bend and move rather than holding the legs tightly straight together. Do not adjust a device or begin exercises without guidance. Treatment depends on age and hip stability, and may involve positioning support, a procedure or surgery followed by follow-up.

Contact the treating team promptly if a brace or cast causes skin damage, swelling, colour change, cold toes or persistent distress. Arrange assessment if a child develops a new limp, refuses to bear weight, has clear loss of hip movement or shows a difference in leg length. Sudden severe pain, fever and inability to use the leg need urgent medical attention.

Ask which hip is affected, how stability was assessed, what movement is safe, how the device should be checked and when follow-up imaging is planned. Ask what changes in walking or comfort should trigger an earlier visit.