Ultrasound for hip dysplasia in 4wo DS tomorrow - what can I expect?

[evertonmint]

DS was diagnosed by paediatrician on discharge with dislocation in one hip and subluxation in the other. He is now 4wo and we have an ultrasound tomorrow and consultant appt in 2 weeks. Paediatrician prepared us for the likelihood of him having to use a Pavlik harness.

What can I expect at ultrasound tomorrow? Will they just take images and wait for consultant appt to discuss, or are they likely to discuss it, explain what they see, give me an indication of whether a harness is likely?

Not had this with my older 2 DC and don't know anyone who has had this so no idea what to expect, so any experiences you have would be great! Also DH can't come tomorrow so I'm on my own and need thoughts on things to ask.

Thanks!

[Pollaidh]

Both my children were U/S due to a family history and hypermobility. It was quite quick - nappies off, they line on their side in a sort of support. We had feedback on the day and then a letter after, but then both ours were clear so not sure of protocol if it's a positive.

[evertonmint]

Thanks!

I've been told if he needs a harness then he'll go straight into it at the consultant appt so I want to think about it, gather my questions etc before rather than just being hit with it then. Hopefully they can give me a steer tomorrow on how likely that is - sounds like they might.

Glad your two were clear :)

[TrustMeImLying]

Everton have a look at the steps charity forum website. Lots and lots of very knowledgeable parents (and some adult sufferers like myself) there.


Good luck!

[CoconutAmericano]

Both my girls were in pavlik harnesses for hip dysplasia. Once they were x rayed they went straight into it the same day. Dd 1 was in it for 12 weeks, dd2 for 8 weeks. It was inconvenient but not painful or annoying for baby. They are so young it really doesn't bother them. If your ds does need to go into a harness he will be fine in it, it's the parents who have to get used to it and adapt washing/ vest changing etc. good luck with your appointment!

[evertonmint]

Thanks coconut! That's really helpful to hear. I'm more worried about practicalities of managing it as I know the harness has such a good success rate and looks like it should be reasonably comfortable for DS.

Ultrasound showed that there is a problem but not as serious as the initial paediatrician assessment (she thought one was dislocated). So no need for an emergency appt with consultant - happy for me to wait 2 weeks to the original appt when he'll be 6wo. She suspects he will go into a harness then.

Any tips on what clothes to take to that appt so he doesn't have to come home naked (that's my biggest fear at the moment!!)?

[CoconutAmericano]

I only put my girls in baby gros while they were in the harness, the next size up. Getting a vest on and off is tricky and takes a bit of practice at first because you have to leave the harness on 24/7 but you will get faster over the weeks! I used baby powder behind the knees because baby's legs are sort of trussed up like a frog so the back of the knees can get sweaty. I bought baby socks that go up to over the knees when u unfold them to stop chafing because the straps around their legs can chafe otherwise so defo buy these in advance. Do you know the kind i mean? Also because you must leave harness on you just top and tail baby when washing them.

[evertonmint]

Thanks - that's really helpful. I'm a babygro kind of mum anyway (my older 2 lived in them for at least 9 months!) and at least with it being summer I shouldn't have to worry about needing vests too much!

I think I know the socks you mean - will check my stash for suitable ones.

Thank you!

[CoconutAmericano]

I think you'll need to use the vests otherwise the harness will be directly on baby's skin and it might chafe him a bit, his skin being all delicate n new n all that . I prefer babygros myself too, nice n comfy on them. Any more questions id be very glad to try and answer for you.

[Catabelle]

My DS was in a pavlik harness from 3 weeks old. We tried larger clothes but the nurses advised that you don't want them in anything that could pull their knees together even slightly for best results. We ended up ordering some lovely onesies from Kiek hipwear that were brilliant and even a special sleeping bag. Good luck with everything, little ones are very resilient!

[Afritutu]

I was in a pavlik harness from birth, and my 2 DD's have both been checked because it often runs in families. Both times the person who did the ultrasound told us nothing (not their job to diagnose only to perform the ultrasound). With DD1 we saw the consultant to discuss the results about an hour later. With Dd2, we were called to see the consultant at a second appointment. Both times the results were negative.

[Afritutu]

I should add - I am now in my late thirties and the harness worked completely. I have never had any problems. My only comment is that because I have relatively shallow hip joints, I am not very bendy around the middle and I am rubbish at yoga! The treatment is very effective.