Brenda--

They say the earlier its caught, the easier the treatment. But no matter when
its caught, treatment should begin right away and not be put off. I dont know if
I can say surgery is 100% affective because I have heard of children needing
multiple surgeries to correct their hips, but I would really say that hip
displaysia is very treatable. Its not a permament, damaging thing to live with.
I know because I was a hip baby myself and my daughter is too. And yes, its very
possible for her to not be in any pain just because her femoral head (top of the
femur bone) is out of the socket/acetabulum (pelvis bone)
Does she have it in both hips or just one? I had both but my daughter just had
her left. She also had all 5 risk factors for getting it which are.
1. First born 2. Girl 3. Breech 4. Family history 5. Low amniotic fluid
How long they have to wear the cast varies. My daughter wore hers for 13 weeks
(3 months) which I say is average. How bad is the surgery? Well, define bad.
Some kids can have a closed reduction where they don't cut into their skin at
all and just manipulate their hips back into place. Thats what I had but my
daughter had to have an open reduction. All kids with the surgery need to wear
the casts afterwards to hold their hip in place and give it time to heal. I'm
not sure about the harness wear because my daughter wore one before her surgery
but it did nothing for her, and after the surgery some kids wear a brace but
mine didn't.
I hope this helps, if you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

Blessed Be - Joy & Serenity
(I was diagnosed with DDH in both hips at 6 months old, traction for 1 week,
closed reduction, spica cast for 6 months in 1983. Daughter, Serenity, diagnosed
at birth - Nov 2005 with DDH in left hip. 3 Pavlik harnesses, Rhino brace -
never used it. Open reduction with Pelvic & femoral osteotomy at 18 months,
spica cast for 3 months. X-ray on Oct 5th was excellent! Will be 2 in Nov 07)




Is surgery 100% effective? How bad is this surgery?
How long do they have to wear casts? Do all kids who go through
surgery have to wear the casts? Do walkers also wear the harness or
is that mainly for infants? I am so new to this...sorry. They tell
me she's not in any pain, she's walking with a limp. Is it possible
for her not to be in any pain?
Please help!
Thank you in advance,
Brenda L






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