Our orthopedic specialists at Children’s Wisconsin treat all types of hip conditions. Some common hip conditions include:

• Hip dysplasia: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is commonly referred to as “hip dysplasia” and is a condition in which the relationship between the hip socket and femoral head is abnormal. It may be present at birth or occur in an infant or child's development.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: A disease is a problem with the head of the thighbone (femoral head). The femoral head is the ball-like part of the bone that fits into the hip socket. With LCP disease, the blood supply diminishes. The reason for this is unknown. As a result, the femoral head becomes weak and a portion of it dies.
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE): Is a condition in which the femoral head ("ball" at the top of the thighbone) has slipped through the growth plate of the femoral head. (It may help to picture a scoop of ice cream slipping off of a cone.) This problem can be very serious if not treated. Your child will likely be referred for an urgent evaluation and treatment with surgery.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): A condition often known as “hip impingement” where the “ball” of the hip does not align well as it fits into the bone that causes the hip socket. This causes friction and pain within the joint and surrounding structures. This can be a result of how the bone is formed and where the misalignment occurs within the hip.
• Labral tears in the hip: A labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage in the hip joint that provides cushioning and stability to the joint. Young athletes that participate in sports are at increased risk for developing a labral tear, as well as kids with structural conditions of the hip. If a tear occurs, treatment can vary from nonsurgical treatment in physical therapy to surgical repair of the labrum depending on the severity and location of the tear.

Our specialists work for early detection and intervention of hip conditions to allow for hip preservation throughout their lifetime. Our experts use a combination of history, physical exam and imaging tests for diagnosis of hip conditions. These tests include:

• CT
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• X-Ray

There are other ways Children’s Wisconsin experts care for hip conditions including:

• Rest from activity: This means stopping or modifying any activity that stresses the lower body, specifically from high impact activities.
• Bracing or casting: Your child may be fitted with a brace or cast to wear for a few weeks to months. This brace takes stress off the hip area, allowing symptoms to improve.
• Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening the muscles around the injured area, as well as improving overall body mechanics, flexibility and strength can help relieve symptoms due to these conditions. Your doctor may refer your child to a physical therapist (PT) for a course of physical therapy and exercises.
• Surgery: Some types of conditions may be treated with nonsurgical means, however in some cases surgery may need to be done. The type of surgery and recommendations vary based on the condition.

Expert pediatric care: At Children’s Wisconsin, our Orthopedics Program specializes in all areas of orthopedic care, from upper extremity, trauma, spine and fracture care to sports medicine and concussion care. We treat all orthopedic conditions, from routine to serious. Kids are not just little adults, and require unique, individualized care for their developing little bodies. Our doctors are pediatric experts and every doctor specializes 100% in kids and teens.