Could my DD have hip dysplasia? So worried

[worriedmum992]

I’d never heard of hip dysplasia until I read a thread about it on Mumsnet the other day.

On the thread it was mentioned that one of the signs of HD is uneven bum cheeks. I checked my six month old DD this evening after changing her and she has exactly that - I can’t believe it!

Her leg rolls all match up perfectly but one bum cheek is definitely slightly lower than the other.

I also think she might be a bit delayed with her physical development - she can roll onto her sides but not fully onto her front; and she’s still not bearing weight on her legs.

I’m now worried sick that it could be an issue with her hips.

I’m seeing my health visitor next week so can ask about it then, but does anyone have any advice in the meantime?

[worriedmum992]

I say six months - she’ll actually be seven months next week.

[worriedmum992]

Her legs are the same length as far as I can tell (she’s very wriggly!) and there’s no clicking. I’m just so scared there’s something wrong.

[Debradoyourecall]

Usually newborns are checked over for signs of this and then referred for hip scanning by a radiographer if needs be. If there is anything wrong the radiographer May suggest measures such as a pelvic harness - a friend’s baby had to wear one for a few months.

[Emelene]

Yes she would have been checked as a newborn which I think picks up the majority of cases? If you're not seeing the health visitor for a while you could maybe send an e consult to your GP if the wait is causing you a lot of stress? Xx

[SittingontheSidelines]

One of mine had a late diagnosis of hip displaysia, it was missed despite being under a paediatrician. Just one day noticed one leg looked shorter. We had a paediatric appointment due and while at first thinking it unlikely, on examination she noticed the uneven bottom cheeks. An X-ray followed and dysplasia was confirmed.

[worriedmum992]

@SittingontheSidelines what happens with a late diagnosis? I think my DD might now be too old to wear the harness? Was your DC fully rolling/bearing weight on their legs by 7 months?

Is it likely that she could have this? I’m just so worried.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Mine had a click, and the nurse told me not to Google because I'd scare myself. No issues now at 9. Don't worry, just get her checked.

[worriedmum992]

@MrsTerryPratchett thanks. Is this something the health visitor would be able to check? I’m seeing her on Tuesday.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

She could probably check for a click. (No expert here.) But will that make you more or less anxious? You can at least ask the HV.

[worriedmum992]

@MrsTerryPratchett I’m pretty sure there’s not a click - I’ve never heard one when moving DD’s legs. I’ll see what she says anyway.

[SittingontheSidelines]

Hi, a diagnosis for us meant that he had a closed reduction. ie they tried to manipulate back into place under anaesthetic. If successful this would have been followed by time in a plaster cast. Unfortunately this didn't work, but my child was a lot older than yours, which meant open surgery followed by time in a plaster cast. The closed reduction was a day admission. The open reduction two nights. It was all manageable and none of it caused my child much upset. It's amazing how they adjust to the cast and continue to find ways to be mobile. Mine did have delay rolling, sitting, weight, bearing etc. but because of other problems we have never been sure what was the hip what other causes.

There was a definite shorter leg for my child though once we noticed, try not to worry.

[June628]

My DD’s hip started clicking around 9 weeks old, she was checked at birth & at her 8 week check up and everything was fine. I called the GP who didn’t even want to see us (covid) & referred us straight away for an ultrasound. Had that done really quickly & all was fine. Hip still clicks now (9m). The only way to know is have it imaged, if you’re worried call your GP & see if they’ll refer you. At my hospital it was an essential service so wasn’t affected by covid & I was seen very quickly.

[worriedmum992]

Now looking at pictures I'm not sure if I'm imagining it?! Her bum looks a bit lopsided but it's so hard to tell as her back is barely ever straight - she's constantly on the move. I will speak to the HV and see what she thinks.

[MindatWork]

Honestly op, if there’s no clicking and everything was fine at 6 week check I’m sure everything is ok.

I have 3 friends with babies who were referred for uneven rolls and scans showed no issues.

My DD had DDH in one hip but she was breech pretty much my whole pregnancy.

I would raise with the health visitor but try not to worry too much now (easier said than done I know!)