What is Developmental Hip Dysplasia?
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition seen in infants and young children. It is also called hip dysplasia. In a normal hip joint, the ball of the femur (thigh bone) fits snugly against the hip socket. In DDH, the relationship between the ball and the cup of the hip joint is abnormal.
How Common is Hip Dysplasia in Babies?
Hip dysplasia affects around 1 in 1,000 babies in the United States.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Causes
The exact cause of hip dysplasia is unknown but genetic factors play a large role. DDH is more common in girls and usually affects the left hip. First-born babies with a family history of hip dysplasia are also at higher risk of having DDH.
Developmental Hip Dysplasia Symptoms
Hip dysplasia is usually not painful. You may not notice signs of DDH until your child starts to walk. DDH can be mild or severe. It can also affect one or both hips.
There are several common symptoms of hip dysplasia:
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One leg that turns outwards
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Restricted range of motion or flexibility on one side
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Legs of different lengths
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Uneven skin folds on the thigh or buttocks
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Limping or uneven gait
Find a Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor
Stephen K. Aoki, MD
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicinePeter N. Chalmers, MD
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineWilliam J. Fahrenbach, MPS, PA-C
Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineScott Ford, PA-C
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineChristopher J. Harris, PA-C
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineJacoby Jacobsen, DO
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineAllie Kell, MMSc, PA-C
Pediatric OrthopedicsEmily Luc, PT, ATC
Pediatric Sports MedicineTravis G. Maak, MD
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineM. Shaun Machen, MD
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports MedicineMark F. Riederer, MD, FAAP, FACSM, FAMSSM
Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Sports Medicine
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Developmental Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis
Your child’s health care provider can diagnose developmental hip dysplasia with a physical exam or imaging. During an exam, your child’s health care provider checks your child’s hips.
They test your child’s range of motion by gently moving their legs. They will also look for differences in leg length. Your child’s provider may also look for signs of uneven skin folds. If your child is less than six months old, your provider may suggest an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Older children typically have an X-ray done.
Treatments for Developmental Dysplasia
Treatment for DDH depends on both the age of your child and the severity of their condition. The goal of treatment is to improve contact between the ball of the femur and the hip socket so that the hip can develop normally. A common treatment option in young children is a Pavlik harness. This brace is used in newborns to keep their hips in the proper position.
Children older than six months may need a cast or different brace to treat DDH.
Developmental Hip Dysplasia Surgery
In some cases, DDH needs surgery. Specialists usually suggest surgery for hip dysplasia only if other treatment options have failed to correct the hip. It may also be suggested if your child is older.
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