Congenital dislocation of the hip

Alternative names:

congenital dysplasia of the hip joint; congenital hip dysplasia

Symptoms:

• diminished movement in the affected side
• asymmetry in leg positions
• asymmetry of the thigh fat folds
• after 3 months of age, marked asymmetry of the angles of the leg, rotation of the leg, and shortening of the affected leg may become apparent

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Physical examination and hip maneuvers (rotating the hip through various positions) may make it obvious to the health care provide that the hip is dislocated.

A hip X-ray (joint X-ray) is helpful in older infants and children.