Approximately 2-3% of babies all over the world need orthopedic help in the first 12 months of life. Some children diagnose inferiority of the hip joints, which can lead to disruption of the legs. Without timely and correct treatment, this disease provokes irreversible consequences.
Dysplasia of hip joints in children - causes
Precisely to find out, why there is a considered pathology, it was not possible yet. According to the most plausible theories, joint dysplasia in children has the following reasons:
- pelvic presentation of the fetus ;
- hormonal imbalance during pregnancy;
- uterine cord with umbilical cord;
- heredity;
- birth or postnatal trauma;
- prematurity;
- family living in an area with an unfavorable ecology;
- tight swaddling ("soldier").
How does dysplasia of the hip joint manifest in a child?
There are symptoms that can be noticed visually, carefully watching the baby, but self-diagnosis is not very accurate. The best way to determine the dysplasia of the hip joints in a child is reliably - contact an orthopedic surgeon if there is a suspicion of the disease. The clinic of the described pathology depends on its severity and the age of the crumbs.
Hip dysplasia in children under one year of age
Identify the problem in the first 12 months of life is difficult, because the baby does not crawl yet and does not walk. Early signs of hip dysplasia in children may be as follows:
- one foot slightly shorter than the other;
- gluteal and inguinal folds are asymmetric;
- C-shaped position of the trunk;
- frequent clenching of the hand into the cam;
- keeping the head on one side;
- the heel is located not on the same line as the shin (flat-footed foot);
- During the flexion or extension of the limb, a click is heard.
In healthy infants, bone-cartilaginous structures have very high flexibility. If you put the child on your back and spread your bent legs, you can touch your knees to the surface without applying any effort. Dysplasia of the hip joints in children prevents this. The amplitude of movements of one or both extremities is strongly limited, and flexibility is reduced.
Hip dysplasia in children after the year
Diagnosing the disease in a growing baby is easier, because the signs of the problem become more obvious even at home inspection. Hip dysplasia in children - symptoms:
- walking "on socks" ;
- clubfoot;
- tucking fingers on the legs inward or their protrusion upward;
- slouch;
- curvature of the spine ;
- swinging gait ("dashboard");
- One limb noticeably shorter.
Degrees of hip dysplasia in children
Underdevelopment of this bone-cartilaginous structure is classified according to severity into 3 groups:
- Easy (pre-exertion). The head of the femur is unstable, it moves freely, the surrounding ligaments and muscles are weak. Such congenital dysplasia of hip joints in children is more common than others, about 2% of cases.
- Average (subluxation). The hip bone may fall out and self-adjust to the joint, this occurs with a characteristic click. The incidence of this pathology is approximately 0.8%.
- Heavy (dislocation). The head of the bone is located outside the joint cavity. This variant of the disease is diagnosed in less than 0.01% of babies. Severe dysplasia of hip joints in children is a dangerous condition. It leads to complications and irreversible pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and in adulthood.
Hip dysplasia in children - treatment
The key to a successful solution of the described problem is the stabilization of the osteochondral cartilage structure in a position at which it can normally develop - legs that are divorced from the sides. The standard and most effective way to treat hip dysplasia in children is to use special devices:
- the stirrup of Pavlik;
- tires Vilensky;
- Freik's pillows;
- Gnekovsky's apparatus;
- tires Volkov and others.
For the treatment of mild disease and its prevention, a wide swaddling is suitable, wearing diapers for 2 sizes larger, using slings and carrying bags ("kangaroos"). As a supportive treatment, orthopedists recommend:
- gymnastics;
- massage;
- physiotherapy.
LFK for hip dysplasia in children
Special exercises should be performed daily for 3-24 months (depending on the severity of the pathology). It is desirable that the gymnastics for dysplasia of the hip joints in children is first performed by a doctor. At home, you can do it only after training. In the absence of necessary skills, there is a risk of harm and pain to the baby.
Exercises for hip dysplasia in children:
- In the position on the back, holding the shin, stretch the feet in a circular motion.
- Bend one leg in the knee and press it to the stomach, bending the other limb ("bike").
- Alternately, bend the legs in the knees in a dilute state.
- Simultaneously bend limbs and gently, without strong pressure, press the knees to the surface.
- Put your feet horizontally, move them forward and backward, simulating glide.
- Throw one leg to the other in turn (heel to the knee).
- Take aside the limb and return it to the forward position (side step).
- Turn the baby on her stomach. Bend the legs in the knees and press it against the surface.
- To bend both extremities, to fix a hand of foot. Gently squeeze the pelvis to the surface.
- Bring the heels to the priest with the legs on his knees.
Massage for hip dysplasia in children
Orthopedists recommend not to perform manual procedures independently, but regularly consult a qualified specialist. This is especially important if a dysplasia of the hip joints in a newborn is detected - treatment performed incorrectly will only exacerbate the situation. At an easy degree of a pathology it is possible to learn massage at the professional, having visited some sessions, and to spend it or him houses.
How is hip dysplasia treated in children using manual procedures:
- Rub feet and fingers.
- Massage circular motions around the femur.
- Stretch the muscles of the back. To do massage of a loin.
- Thoroughly work the hips. Massage from the bottom up (to the gluteus folds), slightly pressing down the skin with your thumb.
- Gently rub the eggs and heels.
Electrophoresis for dysplasia of hip joints in children
The considered physiotherapy technique is based on the penetration of calcium ions to bone-cartilaginous structures under the action of current. It is always prescribed if the dysplasia of the hip joints is diagnosed in infants - electrophoresis treatment produces the following effects:
- removal of inflammation;
- relief of pain syndrome;
- strengthening bones and cartilage;
- elimination of edema;
- elimination of hypertonic muscle ;
- restoration of blood microcirculation;
- stimulation of regenerative processes.
Paraffin for dysplasia of hip joints in children
Heat has a positive effect on the metabolism and circulation in the cartilaginous tissue, quickly relieves pain and improves mobility. The described method of physiotherapy is recommended to be carried out together with electrophoresis, gymnastics and massage. With the help of paraffin, the dysplasia of the hip joints is much easier and more quickly eliminated - the treatment of children with warming up applications helps:
- normalize the development of inferior structure;
- return the bone head to the correct position;
- to save the child from pain;
- improve flexibility;
- intensify the outflow of lymph.
Consequences of hip dysplasia in children
If adequate therapy was started in a timely manner, this pathology completely disappears without complications. When dysplasia of the hip joints in young children is not treated, it progresses. Sometimes the degree of damage to the limb is so severe that the orthopedist has to prescribe a surgical procedure:
- open dislocation;
- degrotation osteotomy;
- Operation Shantsa;
- corrective varistating osteotomy;
- osteotomy of the pelvis (by the method of Chiari);
- Operation Koenig.
Without therapy, the consequences of dysplasia in children can be as follows:
- neoarthrosis;
- shortening of the thigh;
- dysplastic coxarthrosis;
- abnormal hip dislocation;
- disability.