Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly in infants or young children. Treatment aims to position the hip joint correctly to allow normal growth and development.

What is DDH? DDH occurs when the head of the femur does not fit properly into the hip socket. The joint may be unstable, partially dislocated, or completely dislocated.

This condition is often present at birth or develops during early infancy.

Causes

Several factors may increase the risk of DDH, including:

• Family history
• Breech birth
• Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy
• Female gender (more common in girls)


Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Difference in leg length
• Difficulty spreading the baby’s legs
• Uneven skin folds in the thighs
• Delayed walking in some cases


Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve:

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound imaging in infants
• X-ray imaging in older children


Treatment

Treatment depends on the child’s age and severity of the condition and may include:

• Special braces for infants
• Hip spica casting
• Surgical treatment in advanced cases


Importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis helps to:

• Correct the hip position effectively
• Prevent future walking problems
• Reduce the need for surgery


A Message to Parents

Early screening of the hip joint in infants helps detect DDH and allows timely treatment for healthy joint development.

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