Recovery & Support for Developmental Hip Dysplasia

Experts at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone help parents and caregivers with many of the practical aspects of caring for a baby or child who is being treated for developmental hip dysplasia, whether treatment involves using a special harness or an overnight stay in the hospital for surgery.

Our child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Our doctors can also direct adults who are being treated for developmental hip dysplasia to resources such as physical and occupational therapy services at Rusk Rehabilitation.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Most babies and children need some type of physical therapy after treatment for developmental hip dysplasia to help them achieve age-appropriate milestones like rolling over, crawling, and standing. Physical therapy exercises increase strength and flexibility in muscles that have become weak and stiff while wearing a cast or harness.

Our physical therapists also work with children who are walking, or just learning to walk, to ensure that they maintain the proper gait during recovery from surgery. Outpatient physical therapy is also recommended for adults who have surgery for hip dysplasia. If needed, our therapists can provide assistive devices, such as a walker, crutches, or a cane, along with instructions on how to use them.

Our occupational therapists provide tips to help you learn how to bathe and pick up your baby and to change his or her diapers while your child is undergoing nonsurgical treatment or recovering from surgery.

Surgical Care Coordination

If your child needs surgery for developmental hip dysplasia, he or she may need care from a variety of specialists. Our hospitalists, pediatricians who coordinate all care for babies and children undergoing orthopedic surgery, ensure that surgery is always safe and medically appropriate for your child. They also introduce you to the other physicians involved in your child’s care, such as anesthesiologists.

Our hospitalists can make referrals to other specialists, if needed.