Hip Illnesses Treatment

Pediatric Orthopedics: Hip Illnesses 
 

Hip Dysplasia (DDH – Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip)

What It Is:
Hip Dysplasia occurs when the bones of the hip joint are not properly aligned, leading to instability, partial dislocation, or complete dislocation. It can affect newborns, infants, and young children and may go unnoticed until walking age.

Symptoms:

• Uneven leg length
• Hip clicking sounds
• Limping or waddling gait in toddlers
• Limited range of hip motion

Treatments:

• Non-Surgical:
  • Pavlik Harness (for infants): Keeps the hip aligned for proper development.
  • Bracing: Used in older children for support and alignment.
• Surgical:
  • Closed Reduction (under anesthesia): Hip repositioned without an open incision.
  • Open Reduction: Required when closed methods fail; realigns the joint surgically.
  • Pelvic/Femoral Osteotomy: Cutting and reshaping bones to improve alignment.

Duration of Treatment:

• Non-surgical: 6–12 weeks
• Post-surgical recovery: 4–8 weeks

Hospital Stay:

• Non-surgical: Daycare or 1 day
• Surgical: 2–5 days

Estimated Cost:

• Non-surgical: $240 – $720
• Surgical: $1,800 – $4,800

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

What It Is:
SCFE is a disorder where the head of the femur slips off the neck at the growth plate. It commonly affects children aged 10–16, especially those who are overweight or going through rapid growth.

Symptoms:

• Groin, hip, or knee pain
• Limping
• Limited hip movement
• Outward turning of the leg

Treatments:

• Surgical Only:
  • In-situ Pinning: The most common treatment to stop further slipping.
  • Osteotomy: Bone reshaping surgery for severe slips.
  • Contralateral Fixation: Sometimes, the other hip is pinned preventively.

Duration of Treatment:

• Recovery and rehabilitation: 6–12 weeks
• Physical therapy may be needed post-surgery

Hospital Stay:
3–6 days

Estimated Cost:

• $2,400 – $6,000

   

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip (Avascular Corruption)

What It Is:
Avascular Necrosis is a condition in which the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted, leading to bone death and joint dysfunction. It may be seen in conditions like SCFE or following trauma or steroid use.

Symptoms:

• Gradual onset of hip pain
• Limping
• Stiffness in the hip
• Limited range of motion

Treatments:

• Non-Surgical:
  • Activity modification, physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation
• Surgical:
  • Core Decompression: Reduces pressure and restores blood flow
  • Bone Grafting: Restores bone loss
  • Osteotomy or Total Hip Replacement in severe cases

Duration of Treatment:

• Non-surgical: Continuous for several months
• Surgical: 6–12 weeks of recovery time

Hospital Stay:

• Non-surgical: Outpatient
• Surgical: 3–7 days

Estimated Cost:

• Non-surgical: $180 – $600
• Surgical: $2,400 – $7,200