Experts warn that early diagnosis of hip dysplasia in children avoids surgery

Hip dysplasia is a developmental disorder in which the femur and the acetabulum do not form properly, causing everything from mild instability ... to complete dislocation. This problem is painless at birth, but leads to "future complications, such as pain and early osteoarthritis of the hip, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial," warns Dr. Adolfo Díaz, a specialist in Pediatric Traumatology at Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition - affecting between 1 in 100 to 1 in 1000 children - that, if diagnosed early, can be corrected with simple orthopedic treatments and prevent serious long-term consequences. Recently, Dr. Díaz and the Traumatology team at Quirónsalud Málaga operated on a six-year-old girl with symptoms and limitations in daily life, such as limping and pain with walking, as well as changes in the hip that could no longer be corrected with conservative treatment," shares the traumatologist.

After being evaluated by Dr. Díaz and given the irreversible structural changes in the patient's joint, he determined the need for surgical intervention. "This case reminds us that correct and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to allow normal hip development and prevent future complications."

Factors

Hip dysplasia can be due to familial, gestational, and environmental factors and is more common in girls and in babies born in breech presentation. Early diagnosis, through physical examination and ultrasound at birth, allows for the initiation of effective treatments, such as the Pavlik harness, which corrects the position of the femur and promotes normal development of the joint.

"The later dysplasia is detected, the more complex and less effective the treatments become, possibly requiring corrective surgeries and generating permanent consequences, such as limping, chronic pain, or functional limitation," he warns.

Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital has a pediatric traumatology team that offers its patients the most innovative techniques and treatments to ensure comprehensive care during the child's growth and development, with safe, high-quality, and personalized care from newborn. Dr. Adolfo Díaz concludes by insisting on the importance of attending regular pediatric check-ups and performing a hip ultrasound if there are family history or risk factors, with the goal of detecting dysplasia early and ensuring a healthy and active childhood.