How to deal with a six-month-old baby standing up with straight legs

Patient's question:

Baby is 6 months and a few days old. Today, I suddenly noticed that when he stands, his right leg is straight while his left knee is always bent. However, when I pull it straight for comparison, it looks the same. Could this be a problem with the hip joint?

Doctor's answer:

First, it is not recommended to let a six-month-old child stand frequently. Many cases of hip joint diseases are often caused by hip dysplasia. If there is suspicion of hip dysplasia, it is generally characterized by asymmetrical gluteal folds on both sides. People with meniscus damage may exhibit unequal leg lengths. Individuals with synovitis and joint effusion will experience pain in the joint during both active and passive movements. For children, this may manifest as refusal to move or crying, as they are too young to express themselves clearly. It is best to consult with an orthopedic specialist or pediatric surgery clinic at a local private Grade III-A hospital for a thorough examination. If necessary, an MRI can be performed for a definitive diagnosis. All these are non-invasive examinations.

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