Hip Health Topics | Areas of focus for our work
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) impacts a child’s hip joint, with severity ranging from mild hip instability to complete hip dislocation at birth.
DDH is the most prevalent pediatric hip condition with an incidence between 1-3% globally. The early detection and treatment of DDH generally lead to less invasive surgeries and positive long-term health outcomes.
Hip Displacement in Cerebral Palsy
Hip displacement is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and may lead to difficulties with positioning, sitting, standing and walking and can result in severe pain.
35% of children with CP are affected by hip displacement. Hip surveillance programs have been established in many countries in order to identify and monitor children at risk for hip displacement.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Perthes occurs when the blood supply to the “ball”, or femoral head, of the hip joint is interrupted causing the death of bone cells. Weakened bone in this region fragments, making the previously round ball shape irregular as bone regrows.
Perthes is a rare disease (0.4 to 29 cases per 100K children). Males are significantly more at risk of developing Perthes. There are complications associated with Perthes diagnosis as these children have a higher risk of developing arthritis in the hip as adults.
Rare Hip Conditions
Rare hip conditions are diverse in nature and often not characterized well. Patients diagnosed with rare hip conditions may find it difficult to access treatment and proper resources due to the lack of knowledge regarding the disorder.
These conditions can have a genetic linkage, such as hip issues in children with Down syndrome, or be associated with injuries, infections or developmental deformities.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is a disorder where the head of the femur slips down the bone at the growth plate.
The incidence of SCFE is 1%; it is the most common hip disorder in teenagers.
Musculoskeletal trauma
Musculoskeletal trauma affects muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues. Fractures, muscle strains and dislocations are common in pediatric populations. The most common cause of musculoskeletal trauma is injury.