{"id":863,"date":"2020-02-18T19:36:45","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T19:36:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stepsworldwide.org\/?page_id=863"},"modified":"2021-08-16T11:23:26","modified_gmt":"2021-08-16T10:23:26","slug":"hip-dysplasia-ddh","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stepsworldwide.org\/conditions\/hip-dysplasia-ddh\/","title":{"rendered":"Hip Dysplasia (DDH)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Understanding Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip<\/h2>\n

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is when the ball-shaped part of the end of the thighbone and the socket do not fit correctly together. There are varying levels of hip dysplasia, from mild to severe.<\/p>\n

If the ball (femoral head) is not held correctly in place, the socket (acetabulum) may be more shallow than usual. Sometimes this makes the joint less stable and the ball may slide in and out of the socket. This is called a dislocatable or \u2018subluxatable\u2019 hip. If the ball loses contact with the socket and stays outside the joint it is called a dislocated hip. One or both hips may be affected.<\/p>\n

About 1 or 2 in every 1,000 babies has a hip problem needing treatment. In fact, many more babies (about 6%) will have immature hips that will get better without treatment. With DDH, the problem persists, needing early diagnosis to help reduce the severity and length of time needed for treatment.<\/p>\n

For a guide to\u00a0<\/span>Baby Hip Development<\/a> please download our BMA (British Medical Association) award winning FREE Baby Hip Health Parents’ Guide<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for more detailed information.<\/p>\n

DDH can happen to any baby but some factors make the condition more likely.
The two most important risk factors are:
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0a baby born by breech or who was in the breech position in the last three months of pregnancy
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0a close family history of DDH or hip problems that came on in early childhood.
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0DDH is more common in first pregnancies and in baby girls<\/p>\n

In more than half of cases, however, there is no identified risk factor and the cause is unknown.<\/p>\n

Things that could hinder normal hip development are; tight swaddling or spending long periods of time in car seats. Anything that pulls the hips straight or restricts their natural movement should be avoided.<\/p>\n

How is DDH detected?<\/h2>\n

ALL babies\u2019 hips are checked at birth and at 6-8 weeks as part of a national screening programme called the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE). The baby\u2019s hips are gently manipulated to see if they are correctly in joint by tests known as the Ortolani and Barlow Tests.<\/p>\n

Even if the physical examination is normal NHS guidelines say that your baby\u2019s hips will have an ultrasound examination within 6 weeks if the following applies:
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0there is a history of early childhood hip problems in your family or
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0your baby was in the breech position: around 36 weeks of pregnancy even if the baby turned for head first delivery.
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0born before 36 weeks in a breech position.
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0in a multiple birth, if any of the babies is in either of the groups above, every baby should have an ultrasound examination.<\/p>\n

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Download our factsheet <\/a>on baby hip health – the risk factors for hip dysplasia and the five symptoms to recognise.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Watch our interactive video below to find out more about the ultrasound hip scan process and what to expect.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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