Congenital Hip Dysplasia is a dislocation of the leg from the pelvis.
Delay in making a diagnosis of this condition and thus providing appropriate treatment as soon as possible can result in Hip Dysplasia in babies resulting in serious and permanent disability.
The condition is not always present at birth and a child may go on to develop the problem at a later stage. Doctors, midwives, health visitors and nurses should take every opportunity throughout infancy to monitor the child and a careful examination of the hips should be carried out at regular intervals until the child is walking normally.
If necessary, the child should be referred for ultrasound or x-ray and a subsequent orthopaedic consultation is Congenital Hip Dysplasia is suspected.
What Is Congenital Hip Dysplasia
The hip is a 'ball and socket' joint. The top of the thigh bone (femur) is shaped like a ball and fits into a matching cup (acetabulum) on the outer side of the pelvis. Various problems can affect the baby's hip as it develops. Sometimes the ball does not lie safely in the socket and is displaced from it: this is what is meant by dislocation.
Sometimes, although the ball is in the socket it can slip in and out of place: this is what is meant by the hip being likely to dislocate. Sometimes, although the hip is in the socket, it is not deeply in place and this is called 'subluxation'.
In some children, although the hip is in the right place, the socket does not grow properly and it is too shallow. If the hip pocket is shallow this may allow the ball to move from the position it should occupy. In many instances the cause of Hip Dysplasia is unknown. Risk factors can include:
- Breech presentation
- Family history of hip problems
- Lack of fluid surrounding the baby in the womb
Making A Claim For Hip Dysplasia Compensation
As specialist birth injury lawyers we are able to assist you with any issues you may have concerning this condition and are able to help you make a claim for Hip Dysplasia compensation.
To begin your claim or for more information on Hip Dysplasia in babies you can contact us by email info@cerebralpalsy-compensation.co.uk, by calling our freephone number on 0800 987 8881 or by completing our very easy online enquiry form.