Dallas

Hip Dysplasia in Some Linked to Poor Swaddling

Development dysplasia of the hip, also known as DDH, occurs in one in 1,000 births, and doctors at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children warn how improper swaddling can lead to the condition.

DDH is a relationship between the ball and the socket of the hip joint, in which the socket of the pelvis doesn't fully protect the ball of the upper femur.

"Very commonly, the doctor doing the exam can actually push the ball in and out of the socket and feel the hip to be loose," said Dr. David Podeszwa, at Texas Scottish Rite.

When swaddling, a baby's legs should be in a frog-like position and should have enough room to move around.

"It's mind boggling that something as simple as a swaddle can cause a life-long disability of hardship for these kids," said new mom, Kelsey Plichta.

Plichta was born with HHP but wasn't diagnosed until her 20s.

She suffered from hip pain and underwent multiple surgeries to treat the condition.

Her history puts her children more at risk for HHP, and her 6-week old son, Tobin, is now being treated for HHP.

"That was pretty much the first question I asked my pediatricians, 'How are his hips?' Kind of like a crazy person," Plichta said.

Treating the condition as soon as possible is what leads to the most successful outcomes for patients. Tobin will temporarily wear a harness to correct the condition.

"Tobin was born with it, most likely cause of my family history, but a lot of kids develop it as a result of improper swaddling. If people are more educated on how to properly swaddle, they also won't have to go through what I went through," Plichta said.

LEARN MORE: The hospital created a video to educate moms and dads of infants on how to safely swaddle their babies. Click here to watch.

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