ellie's new look

when ellie was born, the pediatrician discovered she had hip dysplasia. ellie had an ultrasound and met with a pediatric orthopedic, where it was decided we would wait a month to see if the socket improved. last week we went back for another ultrasound at childrens' hospital then went to the orthopedic again. while ellie's socket had improved from 51/52 degrees to 58/59 degrees (you want 60/61 degrees), the doctor thought it would be best to put her in a brace to help the progression.

so, this is ellie's new look for three weeks. we only take the top of her brace off to change her onsie & give sponge baths (typically babies don't get to wear the onsie underneath, but ellie developed a rash from the harness). ellie has been wonderful about all of it. after the three weeks, we will go in for another ultrasound. if all goes as planned, she will only need to wear the harness at nights for 2-3 months after the initial three weeks.
what is hip dysplasia? it is where the hip socket is shallower than it should be. this causes the hip to be unstable, due to the top of the femur (leg bone) not being properly located in the hip socket or not located where the hip socket is expected to develop. the pediatrician and pediatric orthopedic checked for a popping in her hip. it happens in 4 per 1000 births and is most frequently found in girls who are in breech position (which she wasn't) and are first-borns (which she is). if left untreated, it could result in a shorter leg & limp and premature arthritis & hip pain. we are so grateful it was discovered and is being treated now.