Hip dysplasia as a type of birth injury

Hip dysplasia is a developmental hip problem in which the leg is dislocated from the pelvis and is found in children from birth (congenital). Nobody knows exactly what causes it, although it may have some genetic connection as it runs in families and is more frequently found in girls than boys. One in every 1000 babies born develops this condition, which can happen because of a birth injury, such as a breech birth. Read more about birth injuries

Hip dysplasia can be extremely uncomfortable for young babies. Normally, the thigh bone (femur) is connected to the pelvis at the socket of the hip joint (the acetabulum). The body's weight must fall on the bony part of the acetabulum and not the surrounding cartilage, otherwise it may become dislocated, which is very painful. If it is dislocated through medical negligence, this constitutes a birth injury.

One reason why hip dysplasia may occur is because of excessively loose ligaments. While they're in the womb, babies receive oestrogen from their mother which relaxes their ligaments. Some babies are more sensitive to oestrogen than others and their hip ligaments can become too relaxed and unstable.

Other things that may cause this condition include a tight uterus, which affects the baby's development during pregnancy. If it's too small, as it may be in a first-time mother, the baby won't be able to move properly and this could lead to a birth injury like hip dyplasia.

Signs of hip dysplasia
A hip clicking during examination is usually the first sign of hip dysplasia. Other signs include legs that are not the same length and feet that turn out so much in the early stages of a child's development that they look as if they are growing backwards. As the child grows older and develops, they may develop a limp. Arthritis may also later appear.

One way of detecting hip quality is feeling the joint while manipulating the legs to see if it snaps back easily into place or not.

Treatment
Treatment for hip dysplasia may involve putting babies into a splint which controls leg movements, ensures the legs are kept apart and that the femur is inserted into the hip joint socket.

A hip brace is another option which will have to be regularly adjusted so that it doesn't become too tight. If the baby develops a rash or blisters from any splints or harnesses this may also require medical attention.

Babies should also have hip X-rays as they develop to check their hips and legs are working normally. Observation of their walking ability is also important in determining whether a baby has suffered a birth injury.

Making a birth injury claim
Conditions that emerge soon after a child is born can be extremely dangerous with long-term impacts. The mobility of a child is vital - if they can not walk properly, they will not be able to act independently in future life. Failure of medical staff to act appropriately and quickly in response to hip dysplasia can result in a medical negligence claim.

Our personal injury solicitors are expert in dealing with both birth injury and medical negligence cases. We realise that a time like this, the last thing you want is confusion and a lack of clarity so we make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you to get compensation.

If you wish to find out more about claiming for a birth injury, please call us on 0800 10 757 95 and we will answer all of your questions clearly, in plain English and with no legal jargon.