Due to imbalanced operation of the muscles around the hip joint, together with deformities in the pelvis and the curvature in the spine in cerebral palsy, partial hip dislocation, hip dislocation or calcification can be seen. This possibility increases with as the functional capacity of the child worsens.

If not evaluated and treated by a paediatric orthopaedist when the child is small, the disturbance in the hip joint will progress in time and will possibly result in dislocation that may cause pains that prevent standing up, sitting, lying down and personal care. In order to prevent these problems, children with CP are recommended to be evaluated and start treatment early.

The main indicator of hip problems in a child with CP during paediatric orthopaedist’s examination is difficulty in opening the hips to both sides or have diplegic gait. These children shall have hip x-rays both in initial diagnosis and in the following screenings every 6 months.  In children that do not have dislocation or partial dislocation, in the hip joints, hips can be opened with botox injections or tendon relocation while if the x-rays reveals that top of the femoral bone in the hip joint has shifted outside the hip, tendon relaxation and/or bone correction surgeries around the hip joint will be necessary depending on the severity of the case and age of the child.

Contents of the page are for information purposes only, you must consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.