Hip dysplasia is a group of disorders that affect the joint between the pelvis and the femur in newborn infants. In most cases there is only mild looseness of the hip joint. However some infants may be severely affected, having total dislocation of one or both of these joints. Hip dysplasia occurs in approximately 5 to 20 out of 1000 infants at birth.  All infants should be checked shortly after birth for instability of the hip joint. If the diagnosis is missed shortly after birth, it may be more difficult to treat the disorder later. Hip dysplasia can be discovered by a physical exam.  Ultrasound of the hip joints may be useful also. Treatment of the hip dysplasia involves the use of a harness for several weeks or longer.

Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain in children.  It involves irritation at the connection point of the front ribs and the breast plate.  The pain may be dull or sharp but often worsens with movement of the chest wall or deep breathing.  The pain returns when an examiner presses on the rib-sternum connection points.  Here, cartilage may be injured by excess or new physical activity.  The pain may persist for several days or longer because of frequent movement of the chest wall (i.e., bending over, carrying a heavy backpack, sports activity, etc.).  Costochondritis often causes unnecessary anxiety due to a fear of a cardiac cause of chest pain.  Chest pain in children is rarely caused by the heart.  The treatment for costochondritis involves anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., ibuprofen) and reassurance.  Most cases will resolve with rest and time.

Adenovirus is a very common infection in children. Most parents are unaware that their child has this specific virus because the symptoms often look like the common cold. Adenovirus infections come in three basic categories: respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and conjunctivitis.  Most children have been affected by adenovirus prior to the age of 10 years. In fact, almost 5% of childhood colds are caused by this virus. Outbreaks may occur in winter and spring or when children collect in groups such as day care.  In most cases, a specific test for adenovirus is not performed and the symptoms are treated as needed. Most children recover from adenovirus infection without complications.