ERC funds hip dysplasia research
A researcher from Ireland has been awarded €1.5m from the European Research Council to investigate the impact the womb has on the hips of newborn babies.
Speaking to the Irish Herald, Dr Niamh Nowlan said her own personal experience of ‘developmental dysplasia of the hip’ was a key motivation to undertake the forthcoming research. She said: “My main interest is how movement in the womb affects the bones and joints. This particular grant focuses on joint shape.”
Newborn babies often suffer the condition when their ball and socket hip joint fails to fully develop, It’s suggested that a possible cause of the condition is when the baby is unable or doesn’t move enough whilst in the womb. Babies in developed countries are often diagnosed with the condition during its early stages following assessment by medical staff.
Adding further comments, Nowlan said: “If the baby is in a breech position where they are head up instead of head down, it gives them less room to move their legs. Also when there is reduced amniotic fluid, the baby can’t move as much.”
The research by the Imperial College London lecturer will take place over the next five years.
