Hip Diplaysia Support Group #3

[ingrid]

Hi Kristina,

Dont want to scare you in anyway, but your case sounds a little similar to ours. Our little girl will be 8 months on the 27th. She had all the regular tests in hospital and by her pediatrician and nothing showed up. A lady at her childcare noticed the uneven skin folds when she was about 6 months (and also one leg slightly longer than another, which is another sign to look for). After going to the GP who said she didnt think it was anything but still referring us for an ultrasound, we went to the ultrasound only to have an x-ray done to find out she had a dysplastic hip (not dislocated just the hip not forming properly). Within a week of this lady approaching us at childcare (we are very grateful to her) we had seen an orthopedic surgeon. Jasmin is now into her 3rd week in a hip spica (and apart from the first 5 days is coping brilliantly). She will be in the spica for 6 weeks total and then in a Denis Browne Brace for 6 months.
I now it sounds terrible and hopefully there is nothing to worry about with your daughter but just know that babies are much better at adapting than us adults and it is better to catch it now and undergo a bit of 'suffering' than find it later when many more problems could occur.
I would also be pushing for an earlier ultrasound just to ease your mind. Most Benson Radiology places around here at least can fit you in within a week.
Good luck and hope ti all goes well.

Ingrid

[Suezt]

Hi Kristina. I too had a very similar experience. Sophie was 1st recongnised to have different skin folds and a leg shorter than the other at 4 months by our maternal nurse. She too had no clicky hips. We were then referred to our local GP and then a Orthopaedic Surgeon. I just wanted to give you some light at the end of the tunnel. It doesn't mean that your little girl will need to go into a spica cast - she may only need a brace. Sophie went into a Rhino brace and had to be in it 18-20 hours a day - giving her 4+ hours free time. Plus the brace allows the child to move a bit more. She was in the brace from 8mths of age - 15 mths (7 months altogether). She is now brace free since 3 weeks ago! They adapt so well to the braces - the 1st week is the hardest (more for mum! and sleeping!) - but they really are little troopers and the brace becomes apart of your everyday life. In fact it was a bit hard giving it up recently

Good luck Kristina. Hugs to you.
Susan
Hip Kids Australia - Braces - Rhino Cruiser ( a website that maybe helpful)
xxxx