SCMP reported on 4/1 about the journey of Tiantian and her mother, Wu (living in Bijie, Guizhou province), to regain normal walking. To date, the video documenting their treatment process has garnered over one million likes on social media. The successful outcome came last September, when doctors announced that Tiantian could completely remove her orthopedic brace and walk steadily, avoiding the risk of pelvic osteotomy.

The challenges began last year when Tiantian turned one. Wu noticed her daughter's feet always turned inward, her gait swayed, and she frequently stumbled. After taking her to three major hospitals in Guizhou, Wu received the same diagnosis: developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This condition means the hip socket does not fully cover the femoral head, making the hip joint prone to dislocation. Tiantian had to wear an orthopedic brace 24 hours a day. Although her daughter cried continuously for the first week due to pain and discomfort, the family remained committed to the treatment plan. However, three months later, doctors assessed her recovery as slow and suggested surgery when she turned 3 years old.

Unwilling to let her young daughter endure painful surgery, Wu and her husband traveled to a leading hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu, for specialized musculoskeletal manipulation treatment. From there, Wu began a persistent exercise regimen with her child. The mother created a "mother duck, duckling" game to encourage her daughter to move. She often squatted, moving forward to provide a stable support for Tiantian to hold onto her back and follow. Whether on weekdays or holidays, Wu and her children diligently continued these muscle exercises everywhere.

The young mother also fostered independence in her daughter during therapy. Whenever Tiantian fell, instead of rushing to comfort her, Wu stood by and encouraged her to get up and continue walking, rewarding her with toys for every improvement. Recalling that difficult period, Wu shared that she often encountered pitying, and even mocking, glances when people saw the mother and daughter practicing their unusual walk in public.

"My husband and I ignored all of it, staying optimistic and dedicating all our time to our child. Many people praised us, but I believe I was just fulfilling my responsibility as a mother," Wu shared.

After a period of persistent training, Tiantian can now stand straight and walk steadily. Photo: Douyin

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the incidence of DDH in newborns ranges around one in 1,000. Medical experts warn that without early intervention, the condition can lead to limb length discrepancy, a limping gait, and early onset arthritis in adulthood. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if they notice any abnormal signs in their child's legs or gait for timely treatment; rehabilitation typically takes about one year.

Binh Minh (According to SCMP, ECNS, Mayo Clinic)