When a baby is born, their bones are much different than what we think of in an adult. In fact, about 80 percent of the skeleton actually begins as cartilage and gradually hardens into bone over the course of infancy and adolescence. The hip joint is comprised of two such bones. As the ball and socket of the joint develops, they will serve as guides and molds for one another. The ball should fit firmly into the socket, allowing it to be securely positioned when development is complete. However, if their position changes and the ball shifts out of its ideal placement, the socket can be too shallow and result in hip dysplasia. This is most commonly seen in girls, first-born children, babies that are breech, and children with a family history of the condition.

What are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is almost always present at birth. However, the signs of the condition may not become clear until later into infancy or even adolescence depending on the severity. Below are 5 common symptoms that ultimately lead parents to discovering a hip dysplasia diagnosis.