Early Signs of Pediatric Hip Dysplasia and Treatment Options

As a parent, watching your baby grow and reach new milestones is one of life's greatest joys. However, you might occasionally notice small physical differences that make you wonder if everything is developing normally.

At Pediatric Orthopedics of Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. David Stewart, MD specializes in diagnosing and treating congenital conditions and developmental conditions that affect growing bones and joints. One of the most common issues we evaluate is hip dysplasia (also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip, or DDH). This is a condition where the hip's ball-and-socket joint doesn't fit together perfectly. 

Identifying this condition early is critical because it allows us to use gentle, non-surgical treatments that support your child's natural growth.

What are the early signs of pediatric hip dysplasia?

The most common early signs of pediatric hip dysplasia include uneven skin folds around the thighs or buttocks, a limited range of motion when spreading the baby's legs, and one leg appearing shorter than the other. During routine diaper changes or baths, you might notice that the creases in your baby's thighs don't line up, or that one hip doesn't open as wide as the other.

Sometimes, parents hear a clicking or popping sound when moving their baby's legs. It's important to know that many high-pitched clicks are completely harmless and are just ligaments moving naturally. In fact, a study published in the Infant Journal (2020) found that only 4% of infants referred for an ultrasound solely due to "clicky hips" actually had true hip dysplasia. 

However, a true "clunk," which is the feeling of the hip bone sliding out of its socket, is a clear sign of instability. If left untreated, these issues can lead to a gait disturbance, such as a noticeable limp, once your child begins to walk.

Why is early treatment for hip dysplasia so important?

Early treatment for hip dysplasia is vital because it takes advantage of a baby's highly flexible joint tissues, resulting in higher success rates and preventing long-term joint wear. When we catch hip dysplasia in the first few weeks of life, we can often correct it easily because the joint is still mostly made of soft cartilage.

A 2024 study published in Children (2024) showed that starting orthotic treatment before 3 months of age yields an 88.79% success rate with an exceptionally low risk of complications. Delaying treatment past this window can increase the risk of residual joint issues and avascular necrosis (a rare condition where blood flow to the hip bone is temporarily restricted). 

Additionally, early intervention helps keep your child on track for major milestones. A 2025 study published in Children (2025) demonstrated that starting treatment before 2 months of age completely neutralizes any delays in gross motor development, allowing children to walk at a normal age.

What are the treatment options for pediatric hip dysplasia?

Treatment options for pediatric hip dysplasia range from gentle, dynamic braces like the Pavlik harness to rigid braces and, in some late-diagnosed cases, surgical correction. Our primary goal is always to use the most conservative, non-surgical methods possible:

The Pavlik harness

This is a soft, dynamic brace used for infants under six months. It gently holds the baby's legs in a bent, spread position. This position naturally coaxes the hip bone to sit deeply in its socket, encouraging the joint to shape itself correctly as the baby grows.

Static bracing

If a soft harness isn't enough, we may use a rigid or semi-rigid brace to hold the hips securely in place.

Surgical options

If the condition is diagnosed after six months of age, or if bracing doesn't fully align the joint, surgical options may be necessary. This involves gently guiding the hip back into place under anesthesia and using a temporary body cast (spica cast) to keep it stable.

At Pediatric Orthopedics of Nevada, we believe in active parental engagement and evidence-based care to give your child the best possible start in life. If you have noticed any signs of hip dysplasia or have concerns about your child's physical development, we're here to support you. Please contact our team today or schedule a consultation with Dr. Stewart at our Las Vegas, Nevada office.