Turner syndrome

Only your daughter’s healthcare provider can determine what might be affecting the way she walks. We can provide you with general information on hip dysplasia and Turner syndrome, which we hope you find helpful.

Hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip, is a dislocation or instability of the hip joint that is present at birth.^[1]  Hip dysplasia occurs more frequently in girls with Turner syndrome than in the general population.^[2]  The affect of hip dysplasia depends, in part, on its severity. Dislocations in only one hip can cause one leg to be longer than the other, which can lead to walking (gait) problems and pain in the hips and knees.^[1]  As individuals with Turner syndrome get older, hip dysplasia can contribute to the development of arthritis in the hips.^[2]  

Treatment options for hip dysplasia are tailored for each individual and should be discussed with an orthopedist on a case by case basis.  Treatment depends, in part, on the patient's age and the severity of hip dysplasia. 

Typically, infants are placed in a non-surgical harness to keep the legs apart and turned outward (frog-leg position) in order to hold the hip joint in place while the child grows. Alternatively, a cast may be placed on the child's leg and changed as the child grows.^[1][3]

Hip dysplasia detected in an older child or young adult may be associated with worse outcomes and usually requires complex surgery to correct the problem.^[1]  If left untreated, hip dysplasia will lead to arthritis and deterioration of the hip.^[4]