Orthopedics Pediatric Orthopedics Print 3 Most Common Orthopedic Problems in Newborns Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Written by twitter linkedin Written by Jonathan Cluett, MD Dr. Jonathan Cluett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Learn about our editorial policy Jonathan Cluett, MD Updated on November 29, 2019 More in Orthopedics Pediatric Orthopedics Sprains & Strains Fractures & Broken Bones Physical Therapy Orthopedic Surgery Osteoporosis Sports Injuries Shoulder & Elbow Hip & Knee Hand & Wrist Leg, Foot & Ankle Assistive Devices & Orthotics Medication & Injections View All While orthopedic problems in newborns can be distressing to parents, most can be treated without surgery if identified early. Some occur during fetal development while others happen during the delivery itself. According to research, around 1% of babies born in the U.S. will have an orthopedic defect at birth. Birth injuries are even rarer with three-quarters occurring during a vaginal breech delivery (where the baby's head is turned away from the opening of the womb). As with orthopedic defects, most birth injuries can be treated without surgery due to the malleability of the baby's still-developing bones. Hip Dysplasia Alex Bramwell / Getty Images Hip dysplasia is the medical term for a hip socket that doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone (femur). When the ball-and-socket of the hip joint is not in proper alignment, the joint will not develop normally. Unless treated in a timely manner, hip dysplasia can severely impair the child's mobility in later years and lead to the premature development of hip osteoarthritis. Fortunately, because the baby's bones are still developing at the time of birth, early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment. Diagnosis is typically made by performing a simple hip click test which involves moving and rotating the infant's leg. Hip dysplasia in newborns is usually treating by securing the hip in proper position with a brace called a Pavlik harness. If hip dysplasia is identified in later development, more invasive treatments may be needed. Surgery is usually indicated in babies over the age of one. Clubfoot AGLPhotoproductions / Getty Images Clubfoot is a birth defect that causes the feet to point down and inward. When a child is born with this condition, the tendons on the inside and the back of the feet are too short and essentially wrench the feet into an unnatural position. Because babies have greater bone and joint flexibility, doctors can usually treat the condition without surgery using a manipulation technique called the Ponseti Method. Introduced in the 1990s, the Ponseti Method involves the gradual softening of the ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. After each treatment, the feet are held in place with a plaster cast until the bones and joints are finally in proper alignment (usually within two months). As with hip dysplasia, early treatment is associated with better outcomes. Metatarsus Adductus Darren Robb / Getty Images Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity that causes the front half of the foot (the forefoot) to turn inward. In newborns, the condition is characterized by the bean-shaped appearance of the foot. Luckily, most babies born with metatarsus adductus rarely need treatment with over 90 percent resolving on their own. Some children, however, may be at an increased risk of developmental hip dysplasia if the condition doesn't fully correct itself. In cases like these, the abnormal foot position places chronic stress on the hip joint. This can cause the top of the thigh bone to slip in and out of the hip socket, leading to mobility problems and premature arthritis. If diagnosed early, your doctor will be able to show you on how to perform passive manipulation exercises to correct the misalignment. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to release the forefoot joints, followed by casting to keep the foot in the correct position. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Click below and just hit send! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Fishco, W.; Ellis, M.; and Cornwall, M. "Influence of a Metatarsus Adductus Foot Type on Plantar Pressures During Walking in Adults Using a Pedobarograph." J Foot Ank Surg. 2015; 54(3):449-453. DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2014.11.007. Loder, R. and Skopelja, A. "The Epidemiology and Demographics of Hip Dysplasia." SRN Orthop. 2011; 2011: 238607. DOI: 10.5402/2011/238607. Ponsetti, I. and Smoley, E. "The Classic: Congenital Club Foot: The Results of Treatment." Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2009; 467(5):1133-1145. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-099-0720-2.