Pediatric hip disorders include conditions that are present at birth, such as developmental hip dislocations, as well as those that present later in childhood and adolescence such as Perthes disease and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE).
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip or DDH is a term that describes hip conditions resulting from an abnormal relationship between the femoral head and the hip joint socket. If the head is not seated appropriately in the socket (the acetabulum), the joint will not develop normally. In infants, the hip joint may be completely dislocated, or just loose, with the head slipping within the acetabulum.
Perthes Disease
Perthes Disease, or Legg-Calve-Perthes, results from a temporary disruption in the blood supply to the femoral head. Without adequate blood supply, the bone cells die during a process called “avascular necrosis.” The dead bone is resorbed, and new bone grows back. This process occurs in 4 stages, which can take several years. The final shape of the femoral head influences the child’s risk of developing hip joint arthritis.
Other Conditions
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
- Coxa Vara
- Hip subluxation and dislocation in Cerebral Palsy
- Arthrogryposis
