JMW :: Summer 2011 Newsletter - Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

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Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

DDH (previously called congenital dislocation of the hip) is an abnormality of the hip joint usually present at birth but occasionally developing during the first few months of life.

The hip is a ball and socket joint and in DDH there is either an abnormality of the ball (head of femur) or socket (acetabulum) or the surrounding supportive structures resulting in partial or complete dislocation of the hip.

It is more common in girls than boys, usually affects the first born and can sometimes run in families. Other risk factors include breech presentation and small amounts of fluid in the uterus (oligohydramnios).

The incidence of DDH is about 1 in 1,000 and all babies must be checked shortly after birth and at the 6 week check up at the very least. Ideally they should also be checked between 6 and 9 months and at walking age. Any doctor of nurse responsible for continuing health supervision in infancy would be advised to take every opportunity to check the hips, even if the initial examination after birth was normal, until the child is walking normally as a delay in making a diagnosis can have serious long-term consequences and is a frequent reason for litigation.