We just came back from the three-month well-baby check up for our son. We’re stunned because the pediatrician told us he has both a hip problem and a neck problem called torticollis. What could have caused these problems? Are we doing something wrong?

It’s not too uncommon for newborns or young infants to have a problem called developmental dysplasia of the hip or DDH. In this condition, there is a disruption in the normal relationship between the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket).

DDH can affect one or both hips. It can be mild to severe. In mild cases called unstable hip dysplasia, the hip is in the joint but easily dislocated. More involved cases are partially dislocated or completely dislocated. A partial dislocation is called subluxation.

Torticollis or wry neck is also known as congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). With CMT, the head and neck are turned and rotated to one side. The child may be stuck in this position. In other words, the baby may not be able to turn his head in the other direction. You might be able to passively turn his head from side to side. His tendency is to keep it turned in one direction.

These two conditions often occur together and especially in boys. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes these two problems. Position inside the uterus during pregnancy may be a big factor. There does seem to be a family history for some children suggesting a genetic trait. The fact that there is a difference between boys and girls also points to a possible hormonal cause.

Early diagnosis and intervention reduces the problems that can occur with DDH and CMT. We may not know what causes the problems but treatment is available. Talk to your pediatrician about all of your options. Make sure you continue with your well-baby check-ups. Your doctor may want to see your son more often during these early months of treatment.