Rattling of bones in infants may be physiological, which is normal, or it may be caused by abnormalities such as developmental hip dislocation, fracture and joint dislocation.
1. Physiological: normal joints will have popping sound during movement, which is physiological, with no discomfort symptoms, occasionally occurring, and considered normal.
2. Developmental hip dislocation: developmental defects of the acetabulum, proximal femur and joint capsule may cause joint instability and popping sound when pulling the lower limbs on the affected side, which needs early detection and treatment.
3. Fracture: If there is a fracture of the long bone, there will be obvious bone rubbing sound when pulling activities, there will also be rattling sound, and there are deformities, pain, and so on.
4. Dislocation of joints: Commonly, there is radial tuberosity subluxation, and there will be a slight rattling sound when dislocated, accompanied by the child’s crying, and restricted movement of the forearm.
Infants with frequent rattling of bones need to take their children to the hospital for examination and clear diagnosis.