A disorder present at birth in which the head of the femur (thigh-bone) fails to fit properly into the cup-like socket in the pelvis to form a joint. One or both of the hips may be affected.
The cause of developmental hip dysplasia is not known, although it is more common in girls, especially babies born by breech delivery or following pregnancies in which the amount of amniotic fluid was abnormally small.
If dislocation is detected in early infancy, splints are applied to the thigh to manoeuvre the ball of the joint into the socket and keep it in position. These are worn for about 3 months and usually correct the problem. Progress may be monitored by ultrasound scanning and X-rays. Corrective surgery may also be required.
If treatment is delayed, there may be lifelong problems with walking. Without treatment, the dislocation often leads to shortening of the leg, limping, and early osteoarthritis in the joint.
A severe, chronic disability which is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; is manifested before the person attains the age of 22; is likely to continue indefinitely; results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self direction, capacity of independent living, economic self-sufficiency; and reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary or generic care treatments or services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.... developmental disability
a condition, seen usually in premature babies as a result of *respiratory distress syndrome, requiring prolonged treatment with oxygen beyond the age of 28 days. The babies have overexpanded lungs, which on X-rays show characteristic changes. Management consists of oxygen support and treating infections. Recovery is slow, sometimes over several years, but most babies do recover.... bronchopulmonary dysplasia
any one of a group of conditions in infancy or childhood, that are characterized by delays in biologically determined psychological functions, such as language. They are more common in males than females and tend to follow a course of disability with gradual improvement. They are classified into pervasive conditions, in which many types of development are involved (e.g. *autism), and specific disorders, in which the disability is an isolated problem (such as *dyslexia).... developmental disorder