What is hip dysplasia and when is there a claim?

Between 1 and 2 of every 1,000 babies in the UK will be born with hip dysplasia. 86% of them will be girls. If untreated, hip dysplasia can lead to long-term disabilities and pain.

We explore what the condition is and how medical professionals should care for your baby to avoid further problems in their future.

What is hip dysplasia?

This is a condition where the ‘ball and socket’ joint of the hip does not form properly in babies and young children. It can affect one or both hips and is more common in girls, babies who are born in the breech position and babies with a family history of childhood hip problems.

Diagnosing hip dysplasia

Your baby’s hips should be checked as part of their Newborn and Infant Physical Screening Examination (NIPE) within 72 hours of being born. If they suspect any issues, the baby should have an ultrasound scan before they are two weeks old.

Babies should also have a scan between four and six weeks old if there is a family history or the baby was born in the breech position after 28 weeks.

At around six to eight weeks old, all babies should be examined again by a doctor, midwife or nurse.

Hip dysplasia negligence

Without early treatment, hip dysplasia may lead to mobility problems, pain and osteoarthritis of the hip and back.

Early diagnosis and treatment can mean children are less likely to need surgery and more likely to develop normally.

If your baby’s hip dysplasia was not picked up by medical professionals, or your baby experienced any delays in their diagnosis or treatment, resulting in pain or mobility problems, such as a limp, you may have a medical negligence case.

Contact our team of experienced and friendly medical negligence experts for advice and support.