Why are my baby's leg creases asymmetrical?
Disease description:
The baby's leg creases are at different heights, meaning they are asymmetrical. Why is this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Asymmetrical leg creases in infants typically refer to an observation during examination of the legs where the number, distribution, or depth of skin folds on either thigh or calf appears inconsistent. Below are some common causes:
1. Physiological reasons: When the infant is very young and the leg creases have not fully developed, or when the infant has a plump body shape with subcutaneous fat accumulation, which may lead to asymmetrical leg creases. This is a normal physiological phenomenon.
2. Hip dysplasia: This condition affects the normal development of the infant's hip joint. During the fetal stage or shortly after birth, the structure of the hip joint may not be fully formed or may develop abnormally, causing the acetabulum to improperly cover the femoral head, or resulting in loose joint capsule and ligaments, which may lead to hip instability or dislocation. Hip dysplasia can occur unilaterally or bilaterally with varying severity, thus presenting as asymmetrical leg creases.
3. Normal variation: It could also be caused by non-pathological factors such as differences in muscle tone or posture.
When asymmetrical leg creases are noticed, it is important to observe whether both legs are equal in length and if movement is unrestricted. If any abnormalities are detected, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
