It’s now 6 months since we were discharged from our weekly hip dysplasia clinic appointments. That time has flown and I can’t believe the follow up appointment I was fearing back then has crept up on us so soon. Now we’ve faced that fear, it’s time for me to tell you- What happens at a hip dysplasia check up?
That check up fear
For the past six months our son hasn’t worn a Pavlik harness or double nappies at any point. Plus, now I’m back at work, he hasn’t been ‘worn’ in his hip healthy Ergo Baby carrier much either. All of which were crucial in improving his hip health initially. So I had no idea how this appointment would go.
If you are looking to purchase a hip healthy carrier, take a look at the Ergo Baby here- Ergo Baby.
At this appointment things work a little differently to his weekly ultrasounds, and he had his first X-Ray instead.
I felt really apprehensive about an X-Ray, thinking he’d find it more daunting and even scary. But in fact, it was much quicker and easier than those pesky ultrasounds. Sometimes it’s just the fear of the unknown isn’t it?
So what actually happens at a hip dysplasia check up?
We were taken through to the scanning room, and asked to strip him from the belly button down on the bed. A metal plate was then placed over where his nappy would be.
As I was asked to hold him in place, whilst wearing a weighed tunic for safety. It’s worth remembering that you can’t do this if you are pregnant or if there is the slightest chance you could be.
For a hip X-Ray they need their legs to be totally straight, so I gently held him by the knees to keep those legs in his least favourite position. It was actually really weird to see him like this, because even stood up his knees seem slightly bent. Maybe it’s a Pavlik baby thing?
A few quick pics and we were done, and he was back in a nappy and vest.
Next up- the consultant
We weren’t kept waiting long and were soon in to meet with our consultant who studied his X-Ray. I had a sneaky peek and to me it looked awful- and really wonky like his hips aren’t aligned. But shows what I know (you know with my zero medical background!) because he was really pleased with his progress and lack of deterioration.
A full examination later and it was explained that although his angles still aren’t at the magic 60, the ball joint is sitting well inside the socket and the hip is showing no physical instability.
So he was discharged for at least another year!
Hip dysplasia celebration time!
It was definitely a better appointment than what I’d envisioned 6 months ago! Then I couldn’t see past the threat of operations, Spica casts and misdiagnosis. Slowly the fear of him experiencing chronic hip pain is easing.
I suppose we won’t fully know until he’s older, and I do wonder if he’ll suffer as a teen like I have. Only time will tell.
But for now it feels like we can celebrate this milestone and close the chapter for another 12 months.
Sian x
2024 – You can also read our five year update here- Hip Dysplasia update- Five years on from the Pavlik harness – Flicks and Red Lips
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