Hip

The hips play a crucial role in your child’s ability to move, balance, and grow. Healthy hips are essential for developing strength, stability, and mobility. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that develops rapidly during childhood. If the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) don’t grow properly, it can cause instability, pain, and difficulty walking.

Some hip conditions, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), are present at birth. Others, such as Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), or hip impingement, can present later in childhood or adolescence. Regardless of the cause, treatment focuses on preserving healthy hip growth, preventing deformity, and ensuring children can move comfortably and confidently.

What We Do

Pediatric orthopedic hip care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hip disorders in children. Children’s hips are unique because their bones, joints, and growth plates are still developing. Early detection and expert treatment can often correct or improve problems before they cause long-term issues.

Our specialists can identify hip issues early—sometimes even before symptoms appear—through physical exams, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Treatment may include bracing, casting, physical therapy, or surgical correction, depending on the child’s age, condition, and developmental stage. The goal is to guide healthy hip growth, restore alignment, and protect long-term joint function.

Conditions We Treat

Children who may benefit from pediatric hip care include those who have:

• Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), where the hip joint is loose or misaligned
• Perthes disease, a condition affecting blood flow to the hip bone
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), a slippage of the hip growth plate often seen in adolescents
• Hip impingement or labral tears related to activity or sports
• Cerebral palsy or neuromuscular conditions that affect hip stability
• Hip fractures or trauma-related injuries
• Limping, uneven leg lengths, or limited range of motion
• Hip pain in infants, children, or teens—especially pain that worsens with activity

Care at Columbia

Our pediatric orthopedic hip surgeons are fellowship-trained specialists with years of experience treating congenital, developmental, and traumatic hip conditions. They understand the complexities of growing joints and how to tailor care for every stage of childhood.

We treat the full spectrum of pediatric hip conditions, including:

• Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
• Perthes disease,
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
• Hip impingement
• Labral tears
• Traumatic injuries

Our surgeons are skilled in both nonsurgical treatments—such as bracing, physical therapy, and guided observation—and advanced surgical procedures, including hip reconstruction and arthroscopy.

Our practice offers child-focused imaging like ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI to assess hip development with minimal radiation. We use the latest techniques and technologies, including 3D-guided surgical planning, arthroscopic repair, growth-preserving reconstruction, and minimally invasive correction procedures. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures seamless coordination between orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and pediatricians.

Thoughtful, Personalized Care

Whenever possible, we begin with nonsurgical treatment options, such as bracing, observation, and physical therapy. When surgery is necessary, we use the most minimally invasive, growth-preserving techniques available. Every step of care is explained in clear terms so parents can make informed decisions with confidence.

Every child’s hips—and every child’s growth pattern—are unique. Our personalized treatment plans take into account age, condition, and activity level, as well as family goals and preferences. From infancy through adolescence, we’re committed to helping your child move freely and comfortably, now and into the future.