How do congenital hip dislocations affect a child's ability to walk?

Congenital hip dislocation, now more commonly referred to as developmental dysplasia of the hip, involves the abnormal development of the hip joint where the pelvic socket fails to properly encapsulate the head of the femur.12

This condition affects a child's ability to walk by creating instability in the joint. Because symptoms may not be apparent until a child begins to walk, the condition is often first identified when parents notice an uneven gait or a limp. If the dislocation remains untreated, a false socket may develop, which can lead to a severe, permanent limp.1234

Early detection through clinical examination is critical, as the condition typically responds well to simple treatments like splinting. However, if the diagnosis is delayed until the child is older, the resulting joint stress and structural abnormalities may necessitate major surgery to correct the alignment and preserve function. Over time, the persistent stress on the loose joint can also lead to the development of osteoarthritis.4321