Concerns Over Hip Development in a 1-Year-Old
Subject: 1-Year-Old Female Child with Hip Development Issues Profile: - Age: 12 months - Feeding: Exclusively breastfed - Weight: 16.2 lbs Background: The child has a history of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and has exhibited slow growth patterns. Reason for X-ray: An X-ray was requested due to atypical crawling behavior characterized by scooting on her bottom, swinging her legs alternately, and pulling with her heels. Additionally, there are noted asymmetries in the fat distribution on her thighs. Radiology Findings: - **Bone Assessment**: Both hip joints show signs of dysplasia, more prominently in the left hip. The acetabula display inadequate development, with the femur displaced both upwards and downwards on both sides. Notably, the femoral heads are absent. - **Soft Tissue Assessment**: No significant issues identified within the soft tissue structure. Summary & Recommendations: The diagnosis indicates considerable hip dysplasia. An urgent consultation with an orthopedic specialist is advised. Next Steps: We have an appointment scheduled with an orthopedic doctor in the coming week. I am seeking clarification regarding the phrase "femoral heads have not developed". Does this imply their complete absence, or does it suggest they are simply not yet ossified? In the case of their complete absence, what options are available? I am trying to prepare myself mentally for what lies ahead. Any insights or information would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)

7/2/2025, 7:30:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your child's hip dysplasia is indeed concerning, especially with the described radiological findings regarding the femoral heads. It's understandable to seek clarity on this issue, and I'm here to help.
Explanation: In your child's X-ray results, the phrase "femoral heads are absent" typically means that the femoral heads, which are the top parts of the femur bone that fit into the hip socket, have not developed adequately. There can be a difference in interpretation; it could suggest they haven't formed yet (not ossified), or in more severe cases, they may be completely absent or malformed, leading to dysplastic hips. The fact that this is identified alongside significant dysplasia implies that specialized evaluation is crucial.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for Your Appointment: Think about any questions you might have for the orthopedic specialist. It can be helpful to write them down.
- For example, ask specifically about the implications of the femoral head's development and the severity of the hip dysplasia.
- Inquire about potential treatment options, which might include physical therapy, bracing, or surgery, depending on the specific diagnosis and severity.
-
Monitor Symptoms at Home: Pay attention to any new signs of discomfort or changes in mobility in your child over the coming days. Document these observations to share with the orthopedic doctor.
-
Gather Support: It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Consider reaching out to support groups or resources for parents dealing with similar health issues. Sharing experiences can provide both comfort and valuable information.
-
Focus on Your Child's Comfort: Continue to ensure that your child is comfortable and engaged in gentle activities that do not put stress on her hips.
By being prepared for your appointment and keeping a close eye on her comfort and mobility, you can approach this next step with confidence. Feel free to return with more questions as you learn more.
Related Questions
Experiencing Numbness or Tingling in My Finger: Seeking Advice
The sensation of numbness or tingling in my finger has been bothering me recently. To give you some background, I fractured my pinky finger when I was around eight years old but didn’t seek medical attention, resulting in a crooked healing process. Fast forward to now, at the age of 23, I’m noticing that my pinky becomes tingly when I apply pressure to it, accompanied by the formation of a soft callus. I suspect that this might be contributing to the numbness, though I'm uncertain. This issue began roughly three months ago, and for clarity, I don’t have diabetes. I occasionally find myself needing to take breaks while writing or typing because the numbness returns or the finger feels tight, but it's the persistent tingling that I've never experienced until now. Any insights or suggestions on how to address this would be highly appreciated!
22 Days Overdue and Unusual Bleeding, but Tests Say Negative
I’m a 23-year-old woman and have been having menstrual cycles since I turned 7. About two months back, I experienced an unusual episode of bleeding that lasted around five days, characterized mainly by clots and very little actual blood. Following that, I had a week without any bleeding. However, the week after, I was hit with an unexpected gush of heavy bleeding that was so severe that I soaked through heavy menstrual pads and even leaked onto my clothing. It was necessary for me to rely on adult diapers due to the intensity of it all. This heavy flow persisted for roughly 5 to 6 days. Afterward, June came and went without a period at all, and now I find myself 22 days overdue according to my tracking application. A week or two ago, I engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with my boyfriend. Although he did not ejaculate internally, pre-ejaculate fluid was present. Since that encounter, I still have not seen any menstrual bleeding. I have conducted several inexpensive pregnancy tests, and each has returned a negative result. Should I be concerned now, or is it better to wait until my next anticipated period according to the app before becoming alarmed? Is it possible that what I’m experiencing is indicative of an entirely different issue?
Persistent Testicular Discomfort and Nausea
I am a 29-year-old male, Caucasian, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. Occasionally, I experience a spell of intense nausea that lasts for a day or two every few months. During this time, I find myself making frequent trips to the restroom, seemingly to clear my system. I suspect that my body accumulates waste over several months, which eventually leads to this discomfort and the need for multiple daily bowel movements. About three weeks ago, I encountered a similar situation after a span of four months where I had maintained a normal routine of just one bowel movement per day. Since that particular day, I have consistently woken up to nausea and the urgent need to use the restroom throughout the day. This pattern continues every few hours, even if it’s just to pass a small amount of stool, allowing me a brief respite before the nausea returns and the cycle starts anew. During this three-week period, I have also experienced discomfort in my testicles. I've noticed that this discomfort often correlates with bouts of nausea, although it is not incessant; instead, it fluctuates, sometimes feeling like my testicle is being drawn upwards, resting at a higher position than usual. I consulted a gastroenterologist last week regarding my digestive issues, and he advised me to take Metamucil for a few weeks. Despite following this recommendation nightly for the past week, I am still grappling with ongoing nausea, making frequent visits to the bathroom to relieve myself in small increments. Additionally, I reached out to my primary care physician about the testicular pain. After a thorough check, he indicated that everything appeared normal, dismissing concerns about torsion. My blood tests returned normal results, and I have an ultrasound scheduled for July 9th. However, I’m worried about enduring this persistent nausea and testicular discomfort for another four days. What could be causing these symptoms, and should I be alarmed? My concern is growing, but I haven’t found satisfying answers yet.
Is Swimming Safe with a Fungal Infection?
As a 25-year-old woman weighing approximately 130 pounds, I have been dealing with a fungal infection located around my breasts for the past few years. Recently, I finally received a diagnosis and started a treatment regimen involving Clotrimazole Cream USP, 1%, along with a topical powder that I have already used up. Although my consistency in applying the treatment as instructed has not been perfect, I have noticed a reduction in the infection's severity since beginning the medication. I aim to apply the cream once or twice a day; however, with summer in full swing and warm weather encouraging more outdoor activities, I'm eager to enjoy swimming. My main concern is whether it is safe for me to swim in my condominium's pool or at a water park. Am I at a considerable risk of transmitting the infection to others? Is it generally permissible for me to swim during this time? Additionally, if I decide to swim, are there steps I can take to minimize the chances of spreading the infection, such as choosing to swim during less crowded hours?
Dealing with Discomfort from Wisdom Teeth
Location of Discomfort: (Image Related Content Removed) (I’m aware that I have cavities and other dental issues.) I hope this doesn’t sound too silly, given my age when wisdom teeth typically erupt, but I’ve never received guidance regarding this before. The pain is incredibly intense unless I apply oral gel or take Aleve; it feels large and uncomfortable in my mouth. Additionally, there's discomfort beneath my jaw, which I’ve been informed may be linked to my lymph nodes. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions.