The nurse is assessing an infant with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Which finding would the nurse anticipate?
A. Unequal leg length
B. Limited adduction
C. Diminished femoral pulses
D. Symmetrical gluteal folds
Correct Answer: A. Unequal leg length
Shortening of a leg is a sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip. The hip is a “ball-and-socket” joint. In a normal hip, the ball at the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) fits firmly into the socket, which is part of the large pelvis bone. In babies and children with developmental dysplasia (dislocation) of the hip (DDH), the hip joint has not formed normally. The ball is loose in the socket and may be easy to dislocate.
Option B: Limited adduction is not a sign of developmental dysplasia. In all cases of DDH, the socket (acetabulum) is shallow, meaning that the ball of the thighbone (femur) cannot firmly fit into the socket. Sometimes, the ligaments that help to hold the joint in place are stretched. The degree of hip looseness, or instability, varies among children with DDH.
Option C: Femoral pulses in a client with developmental dysplasia of the hip are normal.
Option D: Asymmetric gluteal folds with uneven gluteal creases are associated with developmental hip dysplasia.