Platinum Subscriber
DD can do the splits, is this a sign of hip problems??
A bit of background- when DD was born she had her hips routinely checked by everyone and their dog, no problems ( we have no risk factors). Then at the 2 month checkup my MCHN decided her hips were terrible loose ( she had previously checked them) and basically gave me all the info on harnesses etc as she was sure she would need one.The U/S was normal ( one hip's measurement was near the outer range of normal but still ok) so that was that.
Now, at 8 month check up, MCHN has decided again that her hips are abnormal, because DD can sit in the middle splits- she doesn't do this normally, but she went through a phase when she started going from lying on her stomach to sitting up by pushing herself back and going through middle splits then bringing her legs forward into a normal sitting position. She has since moved on from doing this and does it another way now, she is crawling, pulling herself to standing and generally moving normally. She can still do the splits though, but sits in a normal way. MCHN thinks her hips are too flexible and that it is a problem.
Has anyone's baby done this?
We initially thought it was funny as I have always been very flexible and in my heyday did calisthenics and was the one who could do any splits etc.
MCHN wants her to have an X-Ray-I flat out have said no at this stage, so am going to gp tomorrow for an u/s referral. MCHN is pretty old school and also ( judging from what others in my mothers group have had said to them) errs on the side of caution to the ridiculous stage. I will have it checked again because I dont' want something missed just because I think MCHN is over the top, but it really annoyed/ upset me as everytime I come out of a visit there I end up stressing about something.
Does anyone know if this is a sign of a problem or can some babies just be flexible like this? She is extremely active so the thought of putting her into a harness or whatever they go in, is devastating to say the least.
Registered User
I don't know hun...I know baies and children are more flexible, not all bones have fused and ligaments allow for more movement for many reasons. Spock can do the splits, just like she can still put her whole foot in her mouth.
I would say miss E is fine. But if you would feel better with anotherbus go for it. Have you felt her hips?
BellyBelly Life Subscriber
My DD! She did that splits to sit thing, too. She has hyperflexible hips and is probably 12-ish months delayed with her gross motor skills as it's harder for her to support her joints. Doesn't sound like your DD has that problem, though. There's no harm in double/triple checking, but it sounds like she's developing normally.
Registered User
Just so you know, X-ray is the preferred way after 6 months at it shows more. My now 10 year old had ultrasound dine at 5.5months showed right hip was outside normal, went to specialist who ordered X-ray two weeks later and both hips where outside normal.
Registered User
Safer to get her checked, but yes it will be an X-ray instead if an ultrasound because of her age. Sounds like she is hyper flexible it can be a sign of hip dysplasia but since you are flexible it could just be that she is like you. All of my kids are flexible and sit with their knees turned out but only one has hip dysplasia.
Registered User
Some kids can be very flexible and have no issues others do. MCHN check at each visit as sometimes not as obvious, they check because if picked up early can stop need for surgery if an issue is not picked up until walking age. An x-ray would be done du to her age, ultrasound is not as accurate at her age for diagnosing issues.
Platinum Subscriber
thanks everyone, guess its an xray then! Spewing...
oh well at least we will know, hopefully its ok
Registered User
Re: DD can do the splits, is this a sign of hip problems??
How was the x-ray of your DD? for all i know babies , even kids are really flexible than adults and there are inborn to be flexible. I for one grew up splitting without any formal training hehe.. i just continue to do it as i grew up, well i hope nothing serious about you DDs hips
thanks everyone, guess its an xray then! Spewing...
oh well at least we will know, hopefully its ok
Platinum Subscriber
Re: DD can do the splits, is this a sign of hip problems??
I've been meaning to come and update, had the X-ray and saw a dr who examined her and said she was completely normal and didn't need an X-ray lol, too late we had already had it! no dysplasia at least.
She said she is just extra flexible. I have noticed recently that when she rests on outstretched arms her right elbow looks weird so I think she is a bit hyper mobile or whatever they call it, my mum was saying she thinks she is double jointed. I will mention it to the gp next time we go but she is ok for now I think.
One of her quirks with her hips is that she always sits in the highchair with one foot on the tray, it drives me insane as her FET get as messy as the rest of her!
Registered User
Re: DD can do the splits, is this a sign of hip problems??
Spock use to do that! Sit with one leg up, still does it but a lot of my drilling 'get your feet off the table' into her and stopped it a fair bit.
I struggle to sit on chairs properly, if I'm sitting on a chair I need to cross my legs or put my legs up, it's just so uncomfortable for my hips otherwise...no pain...hard to explain.
That and the elbow thing does sound like 'double joints'
Registered User
Re: DD can do the splits, is this a sign of hip problems??
Hahaha that was cool her foot on the tray
Registered User
Re: DD can do the splits, is this a sign of hip problems??
I have hypermobile hips and could do the splits as a baby
No other problems.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks