Hip dysplasia/ one leg shorter

[Mikkelsmum]

Hi,

I have a four month old little girl. Yesterday, the HV noticed that one leg is slightly longer than the other, so she has referred us to a pediatrician. I keep checking, and she's right, they are different lengths. I'm quite annoyed it wasn't picked up sooner as she was hospitalised for two weeks when she was smaller for an unrelated issue and has had follow ups with a consultant who always looked at her legs - so I dibt know how it was missed!

I'm panicking- reading a lot about hip dysplasia. I worry, if it is hip dysplasia that she's too old to avoid surgery.

And I'm also stressing about if it isn't hip dysplasia, then is it something else that will be more difficult to fix or not fixable at all!!

I guess my question really is other than hip dysplasia, what else can cause different length legs?

Thanks!

Bump!!

Hip dysplasia is the most likely cause, although there can be lots of other conditions, have a look at Steps Charity website.

If it is DDH do not panic. I know the panic you are feeling currently, my daughter was provisionally diagnosed at 2 days old and it was confirmed at 2 weeks old that she had DDH. The treatments now are so good. At 4 months it is touch and go that a pavlik harness will work but its always worth a try. Don't panic if surgery is needed little ones cope so well with it especially the younger they are. A spica cast looks hard work and they are for a while but you soon get used to them.

Hopefully you will get your appointment soon with the orthopaedic team.

Thank you @ItsSnowJokes. She had a very tough start and I was looking forward to relaxing a bit and enjoying nit being stressed out all the time. And now this has reared its head. I just want to wrap her up in cotton wool and take away all tge bad stuff.

But you're right, it'll pass. Hopefully we can see someone pretty soon and get it sorted. Thank you x