Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) previously known as Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) is a problem with the way a baby's hip joint develops. It happens around the time of birth and can affect one hip or both.  Cases range from immature/shallow hip sockets, to unstable 'clicking' hip joints, and in worst cases joint dislocation.

If diagnosed early, most treated cases will go on to have a normal life with no long term hip problems, and several "clicky" hips may turn out to be normal.

Should I check my baby for hip problems?

Any baby can suffer from DDH, but there's a higher risk in babies who:

· are first-born

· girls

· breech presentation (legs-down instead of head-down)

· have a parent or sibling with the condition

In most European countries, the hip ultrasound is recommended for all newborns as it is a fairly common problem which, if identified early, can be treated more easily and with better results.

How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?

· The best way to diagnose hip dysplasia is using Ultrasound – similar to the scan performed during pregnancy – it is perfectly safe, with no radiation and extremely sensitive for the condition.

· Ultrasound is ideally performed before 6 weeks of age because the earlier treatment is started, the more likely it is to be successful - but it can be performed up to a maximum age of 6 months.

· Doctors will look for signs of hip dysplasia during the baby's examination before discharge from the hospital or during well-baby clinics, and should advise anybody with risk factors to have a screening scan - however some cases of hip dysplasia can be missed with manual examination alone.

How Is Hip Dysplasia Treated?

The baby will be referred to a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. Treatment for babies younger than 6 months is usually with a special brace called a Pavlik harness. It holds the baby's legs into a position that keeps the ball of the hip in the socket.

Treatment with the Pavlik harness lasts 6–12 weeks.  Most babies won't need other treatment. 

Hip ultrasound can be combined with other screening scans such as Spine ultrasound (to exclude spina bifida), Kidney ultrasound and Brain ultrasound.   Click here to learn more.   

All scans are performed by a consultant radiologist with a special interest in paediatric imaging.