Learn about the unique nature of the Pediatric Hip and why early detection is vital. Explore common Hip Disorders in Children and how they affect growth.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Overview and Definition
The Pediatric Hip is a complex and dynamic structure that differs significantly from an adult hip. In children, much of the hip joint consists of radiolucent cartilage rather than solid bone, and it contains active growth plates (physes). Because the joint is still developing, it is highly susceptible to remodeling—both positive and negative. Understanding the biological “plasticity” of the child’s hip is the foundation of pediatric orthopedics at Liv Hospital.
There are several specific Hip Disorders in Children that require specialized clinical attention. These range from congenital issues present at birth to developmental conditions that emerge as the child grows. If a hip pathology in children is left untreated, it can lead to permanent limb length discrepancies, a persistent limp, and the early onset of debilitating arthritis in early adulthood. Our goal is to ensure the “ball and socket” remain perfectly aligned during these critical growing years.
Injury and Causes
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip is one of the most common congenital conditions where the hip socket (acetabulum) is too shallow or the wrong shape to hold the head of the femur (the ball) securely. This results in an unstable joint that can easily dislocate. If not caught in infancy, DDH can lead to a “shorter” leg and a characteristic “waddling” gait once the child begins to walk.
Other forms of hip pathology in children include Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (temporary loss of blood supply to the bone) and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), where the “ball” of the hip actually slips off the growth plate. These conditions represent a mechanical “injury” to the joint’s architecture. At Liv Hospital, we emphasize that early screening—especially for breech-birth babies or those with a family history—is the best way to prevent long-term disability.
Diagnosis and Imaging
A systematic Approach to hip pain in childhood is essential because children often cannot pinpoint the exact location of their discomfort. At Liv Hospital, our clinicians perform specialized tests like the “Barlow” and “Ortolani” maneuvers in infants to check for hip instability. For older children, we observe their “gait” (walking pattern) and check for a “Trendelenburg sign,” which indicates hip muscle weakness.
Because much of a child’s hip is made of cartilage, standard X-rays may not be useful in infants under 6 months old. Instead, we use:
Treatment and Recovery
The treatment of Hip Disorders in Children depends on the child’s age and the severity of the condition. For infants with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip, a “Pavlik Harness” is often used to hold the legs in a flexed, outward position, which naturally deepens the socket over time. If the hip is completely dislocated or the child is older, a “Closed Reduction” (resetting the hip under anesthesia) or an “Osteotomy” (reshaping the bone) may be required.
In cases of SCFE or severe Perthes disease, surgery is often needed to stabilize the growth plate or realign the joint. This may involve placing a single screw to hold the bone in place or using specialized braces. At Liv Hospital, we prioritize “joint preservation” techniques, ensuring that the Pediatric Hip is restored to a shape that will function perfectly into adulthood.
Rehabilitation Tips
Rehabilitation for a Pediatric Hip condition focuses on “gentle” mobilization. Because a child’s body is already growing, we focus on maintaining the range of motion and strengthening the core and gluteal muscles. Following a surgical correction, physical therapy helps the child regain their balance and confidence as they transition back to normal play and sports.
Successful treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. Children treated for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip or other conditions must be monitored until they reach “skeletal maturity” (late teens). Regular check-ups at Liv Hospital ensure that as the child grows, the hip remains centered and the growth plates remain healthy, preventing any “rebound” of the deformity.
Liv Hospital is a center of excellence for pediatric orthopedic care. Our specialists are experts in the modern Approach to hip pain in childhood, combining compassionate care with advanced diagnostic and surgical technology. We understand that treating a child means treating a whole family, and we provide the support and education needed for a successful outcome. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child walks into a healthy, active future. We encourage you to reach out and call Liv Hospital to schedule a pediatric hip screening or consultation.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Doctors perform the “Barlow and Ortolani” tests—gently moving the baby’s legs—to check for “clicks” or “clunks” that indicate the hip is loose or dislocated (DDH).
Yes, there is a genetic component. If a parent or sibling had DDH, the baby is at higher risk. It is also more common in girls and firstborn children.
Swaddling a baby too tightly with legs straight together can increase the risk of DDH. It is better to swaddle with the hips loose and bent (frog-leg position) or use a carrier that supports the thighs.
A limp is never “normal,” but it isn’t always serious. It can be caused by anything from a stone in the shoe to a hip infection. If a limp persists for more than a day or is associated with fever, see a doctor immediately.
Most pediatric hip conditions, if treated early, do not require replacement in childhood. The goal of treatment is to preserve the natural hip so that it lasts well into adulthood, delaying or preventing the need for replacement later in life.
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