What common symptom might indicate congenital hip dysplasia?

• A. Pain while walking
• B. Hip clicks with movement
• C. Limited range of motion
• D. Swelling around the thigh

Answer: (B)

Congenital hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip, is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly in babies and young children. One common symptom associated with this condition is the presence of hip clicks with movement.

These click sounds occur as the femoral head moves in and out of the acetabulum due to the instability of the hip joint. This can indicate that the hip joint is not fitting together in the normal anatomical manner, which is characteristic of dysplasia. Early detection through physical examination often identifies these clicks, aiding in timely intervention to prevent further complications, such as hip dislocation or arthritis later in life.

While pain while walking, limited range of motion, and swelling around the thigh may be symptoms associated with various hip conditions, they are not typical indicators of congenital hip dysplasia in infants and young children. Instead, these may arise from different pathologies or after the condition has progressed significantly. Therefore, hip clicks serve as an important clinical sign pointing towards the diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia.