Remedies for Hip Subluxation in Humans
Hip subluxation, a type of partial hip dislocation, sometimes occurs in infants or as a result of an injury (see Reference 2). If an infant develops hip subluxation, he should be treated immediately or risk abnormal development (see Reference 1). The longer you wait to treat hip subluxation, the less likely it is that full hip function can be restored (see Reference 1).
In Infants
If an infant younger than three months old develops hip subluxation, a doctor may gently manipulate the hip joint with her hands to put the hip back in place (see Reference 1). The doctor will then hold the hip in a flexed position using a splint-brace or harness so that the hip can heal (see Reference 1). The infant will wear this device for an average of two or three months, and then may need to use a night splint for another month to ensure that the joint stabilizes in its correct alignment (see Reference 1).
Skin Traction
If an infant or toddler over the age of three months who hasn't begun to walk develops hip subluxation, doctors may try a method called bilateral skin traction to remedy the problem (see Reference 1). Skin traction utilizes pulling force to hold bones in a correct position (see Reference 3). The patient lies in a bed, with weights on a pulley system attached to the affected joints (see Reference 3). The process may take a couple of days to up to three weeks (see Reference 1). According to NHS Medical Advice, doctors sometimes use bilateral skin traction before surgery to put bones in place (see Reference 3).
Skeletal Traction
In people who walk and develop hip subluxation, doctors may try skeletal traction to correct the problem (see Reference 1). Skeletal traction uses more force than skin traction (see Reference 3). For skeletal traction, a doctor implants pins or screws directly into the patient's bones while the patient is under a local or general anesthetic, then weights are attached to the pins or screws to pull the hip into the correct position (see Reference 3).
Major Surgery
If traction fails to remedy hip subluxation, the patient may need hip replacement surgery (see Reference 1). This surgery may more effectively fix the problem than traction, but requires a longer healing period and possible physical therapy to restore as much normal hip function as possible (see Reference 2).
Tags: develops subluxation, skin traction, three months, bilateral skin, bilateral skin traction, correct position