Mild hip dysplasia in newborns. Basic approaches to treatment. Rehabilitation measures for dysplasia

Fixators for leg dysplasia in children Various different techniques treatment of dysplasia in children

Among congenital diseases The musculoskeletal system is distinguished by underdevelopment or incorrect arrangement of the components of the joints and cartilage. This is how dysplasia is characterized hip joints at the baby.

Causes of dysplasia in children

There are many factors that provoke the development of dysplasia in newborns. Most of them appear during intrauterine development and are congenital. It has been proven that the predisposition to pathology is higher in infant girls.

In the first two months of pregnancy, the structure of the musculoskeletal system is formed, and if during this period the mother’s body is influenced by negative factors, then the likelihood of dysplasia in the baby increases.

The main causes of congenital dysplasia in infants:

  • Genetic predisposition. If anyone in the family has had cases pathological development hip joint, the likelihood of developing the disease in a non-congenital person increases by 40%;
  • Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy. High level progesterone in the last trimester can worsen the condition of the baby’s ligamentous apparatus;
  • Not balanced diet mother. Children's body cannot fully develop fully if there is a deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
  • Hypertonicity of the uterus has Negative influence on the formation of bones, ligaments and cartilage;
  • Poisonous factors. Taking medications, bad habits, past illnesses and maternal toxicosis affects intrauterine development;
  • Often diseases musculoskeletal system appear in premature babies;
  • The weight of the newborn at birth is more than 4 kg;
  • The expectant mother is over 35 years old;
  • Breech presentation of the fetus.

Infants can develop hip dysplasia if they are swaddled incorrectly or too tightly.

Symptoms of dysplasia in newborns

Already in the first months after birth, joint defects become noticeable. If you suspect dysplasia in a baby, you should immediately consult an orthopedist to clarify the diagnosis. Depending on the age of the baby, symptoms may vary:

  • Femoral and gluteal skin folds not symmetrical, which is especially noticeable when the baby lies on his stomach. With bilateral joint damage, this sign is not so noticeable;
  • One leg is shorter than the other;
  • The knee and foot rotate in outer side when relaxing;
  • A characteristic sound appears - a click when the bent legs are pulled apart;
  • Limited movement of the joint, abduction of the leg to the side with a small amplitude;
  • Possible muscle weakness on the side of the affected leg.

Attention!

Signs of dysplasia in newborns usually appear at the age of 3 months. But sometimes the disease becomes obvious at birth.

Main forms of dysplasia

In infants, the ligaments are very soft and elastic, which is why they cannot always hold hip joint in their place, then they accept Not correct position, which is dysplasia.

There are several forms of the disease, the treatment of which differs from each other:

  • Acetabular. The structure of the main elements of the hip joint is disrupted, most often the marginal surface and limbus are affected, due to which the position of the joint changes significantly. This form of dysplasia limits the usual movements of the joint;
  • Epiphyseal. This disorder is characterized by impaired mobility in the joint and severe pain;
  • Rotary. Anatomical structure The joint turns out to be incorrect, which is why gait is disrupted and flat feet appear.

Also, the pathology can be of varying severity, the severity of the signs of dysplasia and, accordingly, its treatment depend on this. X-ray indicators of hip dysplasia, which are visible in the image:

  • Pre-luxation is characterized by underdevelopment of the ligamentous apparatus, the femoral head is held in the acetabulum. This form of deformity rarely results in disability;
  • Subluxation is a position in which the head femur located in the glenoid cavity, but partially extends out of it. This borderline state, developing against the background of signs of preluxation;
  • Dislocation is the last degree of deformation in which the head of the femur comes out of the socket, which leads to gradual curvature of the joint and negatively affects the mobility of the leg.

There are unilateral and bilateral hip dysplasia; in newborns, the latter option usually manifests itself - simultaneous damage to both femoral joints.

Interesting!

Hip dysplasia has an ICD-10 code - M24.8.

Diagnostics

To determine hip dysplasia in infants, it is necessary to show the child to an orthopedic surgeon a month after birth and at 3 months. If a joint pathology is suspected, a ultrasonography.

For children older than six months, an X-ray examination is allowed. Early diagnosis influences the choice of treatment and future prospects for recovery.

Recently, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have begun to be used. Such photos of hip dysplasia in newborns are absolutely safe.

Interesting!

Arthroscopy and arthrography are rarely used to diagnose hip dysplasia due to their difficulty in performing in infants.

The first signs of the disease in newborns can be noticed by doctors in the maternity hospital. Girls and large boys, as well as premature infants, are subject to especially thorough examination. Depending on the course of pregnancy and the collected medical history, the specialist must make a preliminary diagnosis.

To avoid mistakes, use differential diagnosis, which will allow you to determine the current condition of a person and distinguish dysplasia from other diseases with similar symptoms.

Treatment of dysplasia

Depending on the severity of the pathology and the age of the baby, different methods of treating hip dysplasia in newborns are used. Don't expect Get well soon, the results of therapy will appear with careful and constant implementation of the specialist’s recommendations.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in children under one year of age is carried out conservative methods without taking medications.

Wide swaddling

Doctors have found that tight swaddling has a negative impact on the condition of the musculoskeletal system of infants. With wide swaddling, the newborn's legs remain in the physiologically correct position, due to which the likelihood of dysplasia and its development becomes less.

Wide swaddling for hip dysplasia in newborns is used when affected mild degree from birth to 3 months. It is easy for parents to do at home. To do this, you need to place the newborn on the changing table with his back. IN groin area, between the legs bent in a natural position, you should place 2-3 diapers, rolled up with a roller, secure with a bandage, another diaper or panties.

This type of swaddling helps to form the correct position of the acetabulum and provokes self-reduction joint in the baby.

Use of fixing agents

The use of various splints for hip dysplasia allows you to fix the position of the baby’s legs in an anatomically correct position - abducted to the sides and bent at a right angle at the ankle and femoral joints.

The spacers must fit the size of the newborn, so they should be adjusted as the baby grows.

The main types of fixing orthopedic devices for leg dysplasia:

  • The Frejka pillow is used from birth to age three one month old. This is a special roller that keeps the hips apart. Used only for mild forms of the disease;
  • The sling is used for both prevention and treatment. Carrying a baby in it is acceptable from birth; it allows him to be in a comfortable position;
  • Becker pants are an orthopedic device made in the form of panties with a metal or felt insert in the gusset that prevents the legs from being brought together. They differ in size, but are convenient to use. Can be worn from 1 to 9 months;
  • Pavlik stirrups are a soft bandage with straps that do not interfere with the baby’s movement, but have a positive impact, returning the hip joint to its place. Used from 2 months of age to 1 year;
  • An ergo backpack is used for the same purpose as a sling, but for children over 5 months.

Therapeutic gymnastics and massage

To improve blood circulation and strengthen the muscular-ligamentous system, massage and exercise therapy are used for hip dysplasia. They are carried out before feeding.

It is performed carefully and gently. Lightly stroking and rubbing the muscles of the thighs, lower back, and buttocks stimulates metabolic processes, 5 minutes warm-up lower limbs.

Gymnastics for hip dysplasia in newborns is selected by the doctor, depending on the condition of the baby and the degree of damage to the joint. The main thing is to perform the movements slowly and smoothly; exercises can be done in water. The duration of such a workout is no more than 5 minutes.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy improves conductivity nerve impulses, relieves inflammation and pain syndrome, activates cellular metabolism. Commonly used following methods treatment:

  • Ultrasound therapy;
  • Electrophoresis for hip dysplasia in infants delivers medications to the affected joint;
  • Mud applications;
  • Amplipulse (impact of simulated currents);
  • Acupuncture.

Interesting!

Surgery in newborns is performed in in rare cases, usually in the absence of improvement with treatment. Due to the high risks and complexity of the operation, the operation is prescribed for children at least 3-5 years old.

Prognosis and complications

If treatment is not started immediately after the baby is diagnosed, then as the child grows older, when the child begins to stand on his feet, the load on the joint will be distributed incorrectly. IN severe cases joint dislocation occurs, even if the baby initially had an initial degree of dysplasia.

In this case you will need surgical intervention so that the patient’s condition improves and the joint regains mobility. The joint will no longer be completely healthy.

Interesting!

Some experts believe that about 50% of adults who experience osteoarthritis have suffered from undiagnosed hip dysplasia since childhood.

Lack of treatment for hip dysplasia in infants is dangerous; the following complications may occur:

  • Scoliosis;
  • Flat feet;
  • Necrosis of the femoral head tissue;
  • Osteochondrosis;
  • Pathologies of the spine, legs and pelvis that interfere with the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in babies under 3 months is the most effective, more than 90% of cases full recovery articulation functions. If therapy is started after six months, the chances of recovery become much lower.

Preventive measures

Treating a disease is always more difficult than preventing it. Prevention of hip dysplasia in infants includes simple manipulations that will prevent the development of pathology.

Pregnant women should carefully consider their health status, plan their diet wisely and take vitamin preparations. After birth, the child should be examined by specialists in order to notice the disease at the earliest stages.

It is necessary to avoid tight swaddling, which can aggravate joint problems. For hip dysplasia in an infant, wear the baby in a sling facing the mother.

Be sure to follow special gymnastics and massage aimed at improving joint function. But you can’t “rush” the baby: put him on his feet early age, sit him down until he himself begins to assimilate these movements.

Having understood what hip dysplasia in newborns is, it becomes clear that it is serious pathology, which requires immediately long-term treatment. The first symptoms in a baby can be noticed by maternity hospital doctors or parents; the diagnosis is made at the age of 3-6 months. The therapy used helps prevent the condition from getting worse little patient, improve quality of life and prevent the development of complications in later life.

Congenital joint diseases are not that uncommon in newborns. It is important for the parents of these children to understand that the health of the child’s joints and bones in adulthood depends on how quickly such pathologies are eliminated by doctors.

On the other hand, there is no need to panic, because... bone dislocations discovered after childbirth do not represent serious danger, if you start correcting them in time. Such conditions are quite successfully corrected and treated. modern medicine. Hip dysplasia in newborns becomes immediate cause congenital dislocation hips.

Until recently, domestic orthopedists identified this condition as separate disease. But the results of studies of patients with this pathology indicated that the cause of its development is underdevelopment articular surfaces, as well as other anatomical structures of the hip joint. Dislocation in this case is the result of a severe degree of disruption of the intrauterine development of this anatomical region, which is usually referred to as dysplasia of the hip joint.

The main task of the hip joint in the human body is to ensure all functions of the lower limb (abduction-adduction, flexion-extension, rotation). This is a movable joint of the femur and pelvis, allowing simultaneous muscular system walk, run, squat, etc. In terms of functional ability and range of motion of the limb, such a joint is second only to the shoulder. Dislocation (a process in which one of the articular surfaces leaves the joint) of the hip in such a joint leads to a complete disruption of the supporting function of the leg.

In a newborn child, mild degrees of underdevelopment of the hip joint and even its dislocation can only be diagnosed by a doctor. This is due to the fact that children in this early period life are not yet able to walk, and accordingly, it is difficult for parents to identify such an orthopedic problem. The success of treatment of this pathology, diagnosed in the first year of life, guarantees good functional ability of the limb in adult life.

A variety of reasons that can lead to dysplasia in a baby, as well as high frequency The incidence of this pathology makes it a pressing disease for both pediatricians and young parents.

Modern medicine has still not been able to establish single reason, which provokes the development of joint dysplasia in young children. Doctors' observations indicate that hereditary causes play an important role in the formation of this pathology. It is worth considering that the effect of various unfavorable factors environment leads to development genetic mutations and affects the rate of intrauterine development of the fetus. Naturally, this negatively affects the formation of bone structures such as joints, and especially those that connect the hip to the pelvis.

In addition to heredity and poor environmental conditions, other conditions have been identified that provoke the occurrence of this pathology. Most often, joint dysplasia in a newborn is associated with the following intrauterine factors:

  1. Breech presentation. This is the position of the fetus in the uterus when its legs are facing the woman’s pelvis. In this position, the child's lower limbs are functionally limited to the cramped space of the uterus. This most likely results in underdevelopment of the hip joints. Childbirth in the case of such a presentation of the fetus is not easy for both the unborn child and the mother. Therefore, in the process of moving the fetus through birth canal Dislocation of the femoral head from an immature joint quite often occurs.
  2. A child who has a prenatal body weight greater than average values, those. more than 4kg. Dysplasia in this case is also associated with a relative lack of space in the uterine cavity. This prevents the joint surfaces from fully and correctly developing due to the fact that the legs cannot move to their full amplitude.
  3. Toxicosis during pregnancy. An increased risk of developing hip dysplasia has been established in babies whose mothers suffered toxicosis during gestation, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. Probably, the development of such a pathology is associated with a disruption of normal metabolic processes in the fetus. Such changes reach their maximum severity during the period when intoxication did not allow the pregnant woman to eat normally and also adhere to proper routine day.

Dysplasia of the legs in newborns, which often manifests itself as deformation of the feet, can also accompany the process of underdevelopment of the hip joint. In this case, the cause of the violation normal development lower extremities become different exogenous factors(toxins, chemical substances, medicines, radioactive radiation, etc.) or endogenous causes(a number of infectious diseases, etc.).

How to identify the disease in a newborn?

Mild hip dysplasia usually does not appear in the baby after birth. However, at an older age, the occurrence of pain and the appearance of intolerance to large physical activity indicate that the joint was underdeveloped in utero. In the case when such changes in the articular surfaces lead to joint failure, its subluxation or dislocation develops, the following signs can be identified in a newborn:

  • When trying to separate the baby’s legs, there is a feeling of limited movement of the limb, which is accompanied painful sensations. Since the femoral head does not fully contact the articular surface of the acetabulum, the amplitude of abduction of the leg is reduced.
  • Symptom of hip slippage which is also determined when trying to separate the baby’s legs. In this case, the femoral head automatically moves into the joint (a characteristic click is felt), and then leaves it again due to the underdevelopment of the structures of this anatomical region.
  • Femur displacement causing the limb to become shorter. This also manifests itself as visual asymmetry inguinal folds skin of a newborn.

Every neonatologist and obstetrician-gynecologist knows how to identify the symptoms of the congenital form of hip dislocation that accompanies dysplasia. It is these specialists who, after identifying signs of pathology, invite a pediatric orthopedist for consultation after childbirth. Having examined the newborn, he can not only confirm the disease, but also prescribe a set of examinations to accurately determine the degree of hip dysplasia.

The pediatric orthopedist fully evaluates all segments of the lower limb, the length of both legs, and the angles at which the child’s leg can flex, abduct, or adduct. It is also assessed whether there is indeed a “clicking” symptom and an insufficient angle of abduction of the limb. For installation final diagnosis A specialist prescribes an ultrasound of the hip joints for a child in his first year of life, and less often, an X-ray of this area of ​​the body. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will be able to choose the most effective method treatment of this pathology in a newborn.

Hip dysplasia in a newborn is detected by the results of an objective examination, as well as ultrasound (or radiography).

Diagnosis of dysplasia

The “golden” diagnostic standard for determining whether a child has insufficient development of the hip joints is ultrasound. This study is carried out for all children without exception with symptoms of dislocation in the hip joint, as well as newborns with increased risk development of dysplasia. Unlike other examination methods, ultrasound is absolutely safe and harmless for babies. Ultrasonic waves do not cause any negative reactions in body tissues.

The characteristics of the bones in children of this age allow the doctor to evaluate a fairly wide range of parameters of the hip joint using ultrasound. Ultimately, this helps determine whether neonatal dysplasia is present. During the examination, the following parameters are assessed:

  1. The position of the femoral head (it should be centered relative to the acetabulum; its displacement is not observed normally).
  2. Inclination of the acetabulum of the pelvic bone. This indirectly indicates the development of such a formation (the bony roof of the joint).
  3. Angle of the cartilaginous roof of the joint and cartilaginous prominence

By assessing all these parameters, it is possible not only to establish the type and subtype of dysplasia, to confirm a violation of the integrity of the joint, but also to answer the question of whether dysplasia of the hip or pelvic bone is progressing over time. The resulting planar images from ultrasound give the same picture as radiography. This allows the results of both research methods to be compared.

However, the application x-rays It is not advisable to diagnose dysplasia in children of the first year of life. This is due to both the risks of increased radiation exposure to the body (x-ray diagnostics emits ionizing radiation) and the low information content of the method ( proximal part hips and pelvic bones are still worn cartilaginous structure, therefore poorly distinguishable on an x-ray). If, for a number of reasons, X-rays are still preferred to determine dysplasia, then such diagnosis is carried out by drawing conditional lines and determining the angles formed by the anatomical structures in the joint.

A congruent joint is one in which the articular surfaces fit together perfectly. This should be normal.

Treatment and rehabilitation for pathology

Hip dysplasia of any degree requires competent and sometimes long-term treatment. The goal of all measures taken by the orthopedist is to ensure proper development articular surfaces that are responsible for the functionality of the joint in later life child.

Treatment of such a pathology should include a special position of the legs (a posture in which the legs are bent and moved to the side), but without rigid fixation of the limbs. Domestic and foreign doctors have proposed a wide range of orthopedic products that can be used to treat dysplasia in children of the first year of life (Pavlik stirrups, Volkov splint, Freik pillows, etc.).

In modern medical practice, doctors use industrial medical products to give the necessary position to the child’s lower limbs. The basis for them is the principle proposed by the Czech orthopedist Arnold Pavlik. If according to various reasons Such orthopedic products cannot be used in a newborn; it is recommended to carry out wide swaddling with the abduction position of the lower extremities up to 60-80 degrees. This method is also recommended for use with for preventive purposes in children at risk of developing dysplasia.

The health of any child depends on the care of the parents. A newborn baby requires more attention. In one month you need to do full examination infants to exclude age-related developmental deviations. The diagnosis is hip dysplasia, a fairly common occurrence for children in the first days of life. Should we be afraid of such a verdict from doctors? What causes the development of dysplasia? Is it possible to save a child from such a diagnosis? We will give recommendations to parents on all issues.

What is hidden under the diagnosis of “dysplasia”?

Dysplasia is abnormal development hip joint caused by physiological factors. In fact, the baby has a broken connection between the head of the joint and the bursa (acetabulum), in which this head should be located. At the time of birth, newborns do not have ligaments that hold the hip joint in a special socket. Overgrowth of these ligaments occurs in the first year of life. Nature, trying to make the birth process easier for both mother and baby, made the joints flexible and soft.

If there are no problems during pregnancy and childbirth, then hip dysplasia in newborns is not detected during the initial and subsequent examinations. Such changes in the connections of the head of the joint and the acetabulum are due to the following reasons:

  • Pelvic diligence of the fetus. If the baby spent the second half of pregnancy sitting on his butt and did not turn around, then it is more difficult for him to pass through the birth canal. Normal births are those when the baby is born with the head. It’s hard for a baby to push her butt. Therefore, the pelvic bones suffer and dislocations occur, which lead to dysplasia.
  • Large fruit (about 4000 grams). How more weight child, the more difficult it is for him to be born. Pelvic bones experience strong pressure, and the head falls out of its place. Then it may be impossible to return to the place on your own.
  • Heredity. Relatives or the mother herself had problems with the development of the hip joint or brittle bones. Then the risk of pathology increases.
  • Gender of the child. Most often, girls are susceptible to dysplasia. Experts explain this feature by referring to the action of the hormone relaxin, which softens the hip bones of the pregnant woman and the fetus before childbirth. Girls are more susceptible to this process than boys. Therefore, the hip joints suffer more.
  • You are expecting your first child. In first-time mothers, relaxin is released more than during all subsequent births. Therefore, softening of the fetal bones occurs more, which leads to the risk of joint dislocation in the infant.
  • Negligent attitude of doctors. It also happens that the obstetricians themselves, through their actions, lead to dislocation of the hip bones if they pull the baby too hard. But in such a situation, complications will arise not only in the pelvic, but also in the cervical and lumbar regions.

If any point is directly related to you, then it is necessary to conduct a full examination for the presence of dysplasia.

Symptoms indicating pathology

What should the parents of a baby or an older child be wary of? Are there any features that can be seen with the naked eye at home? Of course yes.

The first examination of a newborn is carried out within the walls of the maternity hospital and all pathologies must be identified on initial stage. This will help you cope with underdeveloped joints earlier and easier.

But it also happens that dysplasia in a newborn begins to manifest itself after discharge home. Therefore, be careful and watch the baby yourself.

Contact your doctor without delay if:

  • We noticed asymmetry of the gluteal, inguinal, and femoral folds. To do this, undress the child and place him on a flat surface. First, straighten both legs, and then bend your knees, trying to align them at the same level. All folds in the groin, butt and thighs should be the same.
  • The knees of the legs should be at the same level. If one is higher than the other, then there is a deviation in the development of the joint. But if the dislocation was on both sides, then the knees may not differ in level.
  • Different amplitude. Lay the baby on his back. First, bend your knees, and then spread them from this position to different sides. Ideally, your knees should touch the surface. But don't overdo it. Don't put too much pressure on your legs. This may lead to severe consequences. If the legs do not fall to the sides without effort, or have different angles of inclination, then dysplasia is suspected.

If you notice at least one of these symptoms, then do not waste precious time. The orthopedist will carry out all the necessary manipulations at the first visit and establish correct diagnosis. Specialists have their own methods to help accurately determine the presence or absence of dislocation of varying degrees.

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier it will be to cope with it. Dysplasia is not a disease that cannot be treated. But delay can play a role. Then your child will take a long time to overcome this barrier.

Professional diagnosis of dysplasia in newborns

Scheduled visit to an orthopedic surgeon pediatrician appoints per month. But you shouldn’t wait a month if you have suspicions. The orthopedist will see the baby and prescribe all the necessary tests:

  • Ultrasound (ultrasound examination) of the hip joints. This procedure has become mandatory for all children of one month of age. The procedure will not cause discomfort if you approach it calmly. There is no harm to the baby from ultrasound. This method is not always sufficient to determine the degree of joint dislocation. Then an x-ray is used.
  • X-ray examination is possible only in a calm position of the baby. If he cries and twitches, then the results cannot be considered accurate. Prepare for this procedure. It is good if the baby sleeps during the x-ray. This image plays a big role in prescribing treatment.

All stages of the examination have been completed. The diagnosis is confirmed. What to do next?

Treatment methods for dysplasia in newborns

Hip dysplasia is not a death sentence. Be patient and love. The process of returning the head of the joint to acetabulum and fouling with elastic ligaments is long-lasting. It may take from six months to one and a half years. You can overcome anything, you just need to do it in time. Don't stop mid-treatment.

What will help the baby and parents?

So, the cause of dysplasia is the displacement of the head from its place. It is necessary to return the joint to its original position. This can be achieved by bringing the baby’s legs into a certain position: bending them and spreading them apart. This position is comfortable for the child. You may have noticed that children without pathology themselves try to raise their legs to their tummy. If the dislocation is not very severe, then even diapers and proper swaddling will correct a slight deformity.

Wide swaddling of baby

The peculiarity of the method is that the arms are fixed tightly along the body, and the legs remain in a free position. Then the child can raise them to the desired angle.

It has been proven that in countries where the climate is warm and babies are always without diapers, the percentage of hip dislocation is close to zero.

Specialist massage, physiotherapy

If an incorrect location of the joint is detected, the orthopedist prescribes a massage, which must be done in courses. Only a specialist knows how to help the baby. Therefore, contact only children's massage therapists with extensive experience.

Gymnastics are done at home. An orthopedist teaches a certain complex to mom and dad. All movements should be performed smoothly and daily. In the first days, this process will be unpleasant for the child, because the joint needs to return to the correct position. But both you and your child will gradually enjoy daily activities. Let's give the most useful species exercises aimed at correcting the hip joints:

— Bend the child’s knees to the maximum possible position and straighten them completely.

— We bend the legs at right angles and try to spread them apart. After this, we begin to smoothly rotate our hips in a circle.

— We bend the legs and spread them apart, trying to touch the surface.

The exercises are performed lying on your back without fanaticism when the baby good mood. Repeat up to ten times. During the day you need to do three to four approaches and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Often the orthopedist also prescribes physiotherapy:

  • calcium electrophoresis;
  • heating with wax.

Special orthopedic gadgets

It is impossible to treat dysplasia without special devices that have passed all clinical trials and have benefited many patients.

Operative method of treatment

Sometimes there are risks of exacerbation of the pathology. This happens when the diagnosis is made too late: at six months or even later. Then all the methods listed above are not enough. There is a need for surgical intervention. If this is not done, the child will limp or may remain disabled and bedridden for life. This measure also occurs when parents are negligent early stage treatment: removing orthopedic devices without a doctor’s permission, not doing physical development(gymnastics, massage), they try to put the baby on straight legs early. Then all efforts are in vain. The consequences can be very serious.

Underdevelopment of the hip joints is a slow development of the joint nuclei. Normally, in children they form at the age of 3-7 months. Do not confuse immaturity of joints and dysplasia, this is fundamentally various diseases, dysplasia consists of improper formation. Nowadays, diseases are differentiated. The diagnosis is made when the development of nuclei is noticeably delayed. Girls secrete estrogen, thanks to which the nuclei mature faster, and the speed of biological processes in girls’ bodies is higher.

Untimely treatment of pathology in newborns leads to a worsening of the disease, resulting in the development of dysplasia. In order to start treatment on time, it is required early diagnosis diseases. Already 2-3 weeks after the birth of the baby special doctor able to notice pathology. If treatment is carried out on time, the condition of the hip joint will be restored, and there will be no trace of the disease by six months. If a deviation from the norm is diagnosed after six months, treatment of immaturity in newborns will be more problematic. To eliminate the risk of complications, it is recommended to examine the baby at one month, three months, six months and one year.

The main signs indicating the presence of pathology:

  • Violation of the symmetry of the inguinal and gluteal folds;
  • Various lengths of the lower limbs of newborns;
  • When walking, clicks are heard at the joint;
  • The child's legs cannot move 170 degrees apart.

If any of these signs are present in newborns, you should consult a doctor.

Causes of an underdeveloped joint:

  • Unbalanced maternal nutrition during pregnancy;
  • Pregnancy was accompanied by severe toxicosis;
  • Late pregnancy;
  • Various infectious diseases suffered during pregnancy;
  • The birth was difficult;
  • Discovered hereditary predisposition to illness.

If the disease is identified on time, treatment is predominantly conservative. At the initial stage of the disease, special spacers and splints are used in treatment. Their action is aimed at spreading the lower extremities of newborns in different directions. The devices stimulate hip joint growth and development. When treating pathology, the doctor prescribes vitamins, a course special massage and therapeutic exercises.

Physiotherapy shows good results. Magnetic therapy and electrophoresis with phosphorus and calcium are performed. The course of treatment saturates necessary substances and elements of the child’s joints, improves blood circulation. If the joints are underdeveloped, it is advisable to see an osteopath, whose correct actions will restore the balance of the child’s bone structure. It is better to use to prevent disease.

If you have underdeveloped joints, it is important to know a few rules:

  1. It is better to carry children in your arms with your legs apart.
  2. Compulsory performance of gymnastic exercises.
  3. Timely learning to walk. Don't teach children to walk too early. It is advisable to exclude various devices for walking children: walkers, reins and others.

Wide swaddling of baby

Wide swaddling of children is considered a means of treating immaturity. Many parents have often heard about the method, but do not know how to properly do wide swaddling.

Procedure for wide swaddling of newborns:

  1. The thick diaper is folded in the shape of a triangle. The right angle is placed down.
  2. The baby is put on a diaper and placed on top of the diaper.
  3. The child's legs bend approximately 80 degrees.
  4. The end of the diaper is first wrapped around one leg, then the other end is wrapped around the other. The corner of the diaper is fixed on the baby's stomach.
  5. To prevent the diaper from falling off, you can swaddle the baby on top with an additional diaper.

Massage for underdeveloped joints

A massage for a child with a disease is performed by a special doctor, preferably with good experience. The joints and bones of babies are fragile, any incorrect actions during massage can damage the normal work musculoskeletal system. During the massage course, you need to monitor the condition of the joints and bones. The massage course is divided into several segments, at the end of each segment an ultrasound is performed. An ultrasound of the hip joints will show whether the specified treatment method has positive dynamics. If there are no results, the massage is ineffective, other procedures are prescribed.

The duration of the massage session does not exceed 20 minutes; the first five minutes are carried out with preparatory manipulations.

Actions performed by a specialist for underdevelopment of the hip joints

Preparatory stage:

  • The baby is placed on his tummy. Rub the back, arms and buttocks with slow stroking;
  • Then they change position - turning over on their back. Stroking chest, abdomen, upper and lower limbs of newborns.

Manipulations are aimed at adjusting positive emotions and tactile sensations. Usually children like the preliminary stage, the kids relax.

The main stage of the massage:

  • After stroking movements, intensive rubbing of the muscles is done, the pressure of the movement increases. Here the children's muscles, ligaments and tendons are massaged. The movements are performed in a circle with the pads of the fingers. The upper, lower limbs, back and stomach are also rubbed;
  • After rubbing the above, the massage moves on to the buttocks and the damaged joint;
  • Position of the baby on his stomach. After rubbing, the buttocks are subjected to tingling and light tapping;
  • Circular movements are performed in the joint area;
  • The child is turned onto his back. With one hand the specialist holds the hip joint, with the other he clasps the knee and moves it to the side. Manipulations are performed gently and with caution;
  • The next action is to bend the legs in knee joints with a little shaking. Afterwards, the bent legs are raised outwards.
  • At the end of the massage session, the feet are stroked and kneaded.

Manipulations are repeated on average 10-12 times. Massage treatment is carried out every other day. When performing this, you will need to carefully monitor your baby’s reaction. Actions stop if the child begins to worry and cry. Repeating is allowed when the child calms down.

Massage treatment should be performed regularly to ensure positive results remain visible.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics is recognized as a mandatory method of restoration and treatment of underdevelopment of the hip joints. All gymnastic exercises are carried out extremely carefully so that the hip does not move from the socket. It is permissible to alternate exercises aimed at correcting the joint. Should be performed up to 10 times a day. To see positive results, you will need to carry out several courses of gymnastic exercises.

Parents can carry out certain exercises for their child themselves:

  • Perform with light stroking movements;
  • Press the baby’s legs to the stomach at a right angle;
  • Make circular movements with your hips;
  • Exercise bike;
  • The exercises end with stroking;
  • It is advisable to do exercises 2 times a day.

Use of orthopedic devices

To methods conservative treatment includes treatment using various orthopedic devices. They fix the child’s legs in a state of abduction, due to which the underdeveloped joint is restored.

Devices used for immaturity of the hip joint:

  • Freyka's pillow. A device similar to a wide swaddling blanket. Sold in specialized stores or made independently.
  • Becker's pants. Do not allow the child to bring his legs together.
  • Pavlik stirrups.
  • Vilensky tires. Worn daily for three months. An exception is made for bathing a child.

Surgery

If treatment conservative methods didn't bring positive result and ineffective, underdevelopment of the hip joints is corrected surgically.

Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where the disease worsens or cannot be performed closed reduction joint Most common cause surgical method treatment is caused by untimely diagnosis of the disease.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of hip underdevelopment in children, it is necessary to eliminate exposure from the very beginning. negative factors during pregnancy. Following doctor's instructions and proper and balanced nutrition during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing the disease in the child.

Measures to prevent joint underdevelopment:

  1. Conducting timely examinations;
  2. Identification of risk groups for the disease and further observation;
  3. It is better to use wide swaddling;
  4. It is advisable to completely forget about tightly swaddling children;
  5. Carry the baby in your arms, with the baby facing the mother, his legs apart;
  6. Must visit routine examinations baby in the clinic;
  7. good in preventive measures use slings, kangaroo-type carriers;
  8. It is advisable to choose diapers one size larger. When the diaper is filled, the legs will move apart;
  9. Can be done light massage for a child, simple gymnastic exercises.

Older children and children at risk are recommended to swim, ride a bike and do gymnastics to strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities. IN adolescence preferably avoided increased loads on the joint.

Hip dysplasia in infants is a fairly common phenomenon in children, which, unfortunately, is not diagnosed during gestation; it can only be diagnosed after pregnancy and childbirth. But the diagnosis of “dysplasia” does not mean that the child has months ahead without movement. In this situation, it is necessary to help the joint develop.

Despite the fact that we can talk about hip dysplasia in a newborn only when the baby reaches three months of age (unless, of course, it is a congenital dislocation of the hip), this problem should be dealt with immediately after childbirth.

How to help your baby’s hip joint develop?

Where should you start? And you should start by spreading and bringing together the baby’s bent legs from the very first days of life. The movements should be performed carefully and gently so that they do not over-strain the muscles. The child should receive only pleasant sensations from such exercises.

Spread your legs as far apart as possible, without any effort or pressure. And soon you will notice that every day the opening angle will become larger and larger.

The most optimal rate exercises - up to 300 per day. Be sure to place the baby on a hard surface (table or floor).

The sensations experienced by the child cause positive impulses in the cerebral cortex, which, in turn, develops him and encourages him to make active movements.

When the little one reaches the age of 3 months, be sure to visit an orthopedist and get an ultrasound. You should not trust a diagnosis that may be given to you in the absence of compelling evidence.

Water also plays a positive role in the fight against dysplasia. Water, of course, has a relaxing effect. But at the same time, chaotic movements of arms and legs are an excellent workout. At the same time, the baby overcomes, although insignificant, the resistance of the water, which has a very positive effect on all muscle groups.

If you want to enhance the effect, experts recommend adding sea salt to the water every other day.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in a child

Of course, experienced specialist can easily determine dysplasia in a child. But the baby doesn’t always fall into the doctor’s hands at the right time.

In order not to start the development of the disease and to start treatment in a timely manner, be very attentive to your child.

In the first month of life, he speaks about problems with the hip joints increased tone baby's back muscles. In this case, the position of the baby’s torso is C-shaped, he tilts his head to one side, and quite often on one arm the fingers are constantly clenched into a fist.

You can also visually notice that one leg is shorter than the other. Such a baby has an additional fold on the buttock, asymmetry of the gluteal folds and buttocks. And the mother cannot completely spread the child’s legs to the sides with her knees bent.

At the age of 3-4 months, when bending the legs in the knee and hip joints, you can often hear a click. The heel is not in line with the shin. In this case, one leg is visually shorter than the other.

At the age of 6 months, the child begins to stand up and walk on his toes; when walking, the toes of one or both feet are noticeable, turned inward or outward. Sometimes a slight curvature of the spine and stooping catches the eye. This baby's gait is like that of a duck. One leg is shorter than the other due to the sloping pelvis.

If you notice deviations in the development of the child’s musculoskeletal system, then you should not put off visiting an orthopedist.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in infants

To the complex medical procedures When hip dysplasia is detected, it usually includes the use of splints, wide swaddling, therapeutic massage and exercises.

If hip dysplasia is mild, then you should not resort to such harsh treatment methods as the use of splints.

If you start treating joint dysplasia in children in a timely manner, then massage and therapeutic exercises will help greatly in this matter.

Usually several courses of massage performed by a specialist (in parallel with constant use some elements of massage and gymnastics by the child’s parents), quite enough for full recovery baby. Unreasonable restriction of freedom of movement at an early age can have bad influence on further development musculoskeletal system of the baby.

Exercises for hip dysplasia

If your child has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, then in addition to a special massage, the doctor will recommend that you do a number of exercises with the baby:

1. Little Frog

Starting position - lying on your tummy on the table. Stroke the baby's back and legs, then bend each leg in turn and move it to the side. The hips should be pressed against a hard surface (hold them with your hand).

After this, complicate the exercise - take a frog pose.

When your child can easily hold his spread legs, place your palm under his heels. Most likely, he will push off and try to crawl.

2. Bicycle

Lay the child on his back, clasp his legs with your hands. Slowly rotate your legs as if you were pedaling. First make a few movements forward, then back. Then straighten your legs, bend them and press them towards your tummy.

For massage should be used baby oil. Stroke the inner and outer surface of the thighs, lightly pinch the skin on the legs. If the child is uncomfortable, then the lesson should be stopped.

3. Butterfly wings

Spread your baby's legs apart. After prolonged training, your knees resemble butterfly wings. Wave them. If you hear a clicking sound, see an orthopedist immediately.

A slight asymmetry of the folds is not yet a sign of dysplasia. But this indicator is worth paying attention to. Although much more informative is the fact that one leg deviates to the side, while the other does not want to deviate.

4. Monkey

When the baby learns to hold its head well, wear it on your hip. The baby's legs should be spread wide apart.

A few workouts and you will get by with one hand, freeing the other for household chores. In addition, this fixed position is an excellent prevention of dysplasia.

If you are using a sling, remember the position on your side.