What is hip dysplasia?

DDH isn't painful, and your baby may not have any obvious signs of a problem. But you might notice that one leg seems shorter than the other or one hip joint moves differently than the other. A child who is walking may limp, waddle, or walk on the toes of one foot.

Treatment for DDH focuses on moving the thighbone into its normal position and keeping it in place while the joint grows. This may be done using a Pavlik harness or a spica cast. Other braces or splints may be used. Some children may need surgery or physical therapy.

It is usually diagnosed during a newborn's physical exam. A doctor will move the baby's legs and look and listen for signs of a problem.

If your baby is older, your doctor may diagnose developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) during the physical exam at a well-baby checkup. But it may be hard to diagnose in a baby more than 1 to 3 months old. That's because the only outward sign may be a hip joint that is less mobile or flexible than normal.

If the doctor suspects DDH but the results of a physical exam aren't clear, your child might need to have an imaging test of the hip joint, such as an ultrasound or X-ray.

If the doctor put your child in a harness, cast, or brace, be sure to follow all instructions your doctor gives you. And take your child to all recommended follow-up visits.

The exact cause of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is not known. But some things can raise your child's chances of having it, including:

• Having a family history of DDH.
• Being the firstborn child.
• Being female.
• Being born buttocks-first (breech position).
• Having the legs swaddled tightly.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition in which the top of a baby's thighbone doesn't fit tightly into the hip socket. In mild cases, the thighbone moves around more than normal. In more severe cases, the thighbone may slide out of the socket. Early treatment can prevent future problems.