Unexpected Hip Ultrasound appointment

[Skools]

Hi - this is my first post as a new member of MN so hopefully doing everything right!
My DS2 is 2 1/2 weeks old and i've received a letter for an appointment to get an ultrasound on his hips. But this was never brought to my attention at the hospital by the pediatrician or midwives since. I had a slight problem with my hips when born (double nappies for 6 mnths) and told this to my ped when asked about family history. He has no signs of any problems as far as I can tell - Do you think this is just a precaution on the hospitals part? I'm worried theres something wrong!

Where we are every dc gets one who was born by CS - dont worry about it...

Hi Skools,
Both my twins had these - c-section birth plus DT2 was breech. Here it is done for every breech baby.
Sure it's fine

You'll have got the referral due to the family history you disclosed. If you weren't told they'd found anything when the paeds examined your son then they haven't actually seen any signs of dysplasic hips.

It's less common in boys than girls (70% of cases are 1st born females). I'm sure the scan will just prove everything is normal but if it doesn't they usually put babies in something called a pavlik harness which helps the hip socket to form properly. My dd is wearing one at the moment. They have 90-95% success rate.

HTH

Thanks everyone! Just needed my mind put at ease I think - so much for being more laid back 2nd time round! Thanks again

My dd2 had this scan, as she had very slightly clicky hips, fortunately they corrected themselves without the need for any treatment.

Skools, my DH had double nappies when he was a baby so they scanned both my boys as a precaution.

As there is family history I think it is usually routine. Don't fret.

If there are no clinical signs, then it must be because of family history.

My DD had hip ultrasound as she actually was born with a dislocated hip (breech birth) - the paediatrician pulled her leg clean out of the socket! The first scan was inconclusive, but by 12 weeks, everything had settled into the right place by itself. She has never had any problems and went through all the usual milestones.

It's not the most pleasant procedure in the world, unfortunately. The ultrasonographer has to push quite hard into the joints of both hips and it takes quite a while.

Hi there,

I had clicky hips as a baby and so my DD automatically had to have one.

Don't worry though, the paed who checked your baby at birth would have picked up any major problems so it will just be related to your history.

MmeBlueberry, that's the first time I've heard of it to be uncomfortable! My DD was in and out within 5 minutes and they just ran the wand over her hips like they do to our tummys when we're PG. Sorry that your LO suffered!!

xx

Skools - I was in double nappies as well as a child when I mentioned to the paed when he examined DD before we left hospital with her. He couldn't see anything wrong with her but she was called for a scan anyway and she was found to be borderline so we've since seen the consultant who agreed she was borderline so we're going for more scans at 4months and, if they haven't sorted themselves out by then, again at 6 months. They're just monitoring it. Apparently its one of those things which hospitals (esp Stoke Mandeville as a hip specialist is based there) are trying to be better about as some babies were going undiagnosed which causes problems later on.
As for the ultrasound, my DD did some of her first smiles at the sonographer whilst she was having the scan!

I had to wear a splint as a baby and because of this ds was automatically scanned - and found that his hip hadn't developed properly so had to wear a plastic splint thing for about 2 - 3 months. dd was also scanned and again her hip wasn't quite right but she did not need a splint and at a later scan everything was fine.

In my area every baby gets this as standard, regardless of history or method of birth

hey there
my dd was born with a dislocated hip - picked up at the hospital and confirmed in scan. she was strapped up for 3-4 months and now she is 14mo we are still waiting to be signed off.

the reason i write that is so you know that i have a bit of knowledge about it! and just to reassure it is very rare that it happens in boys - it is much more prevalent in girls. they say there is a slight chance it is genetic, but again this is only slight.add in your cs and i guess that this is why they are doing it.

its a good thing to do, so much better that if there is a prob to pick it up now - having been to birmingham childrens hospital for weekly visits and seen the 2/3/4yr olds in a cast, put my lo's strapping into proportion.

keep us posted how it goes - i'm sure it'll all be fine, but should there be a problem, do get in touch and i'll help in any way i can.

ps the scan isn't a problem for baby at all, its more the mummy that worries he's pressing too hard!!! my dd just wee'd all over the consultants most times!!!!

Thanks everyone - DS had his scan today and all looks fine. Worry over! Im sure tho I'll have a new one by tomorrow...