Introduction

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the 'ball and socket' joint of the hips doesn't properly form in babies and young children.

It's sometimes known as congenital hip dislocation or hip dysplasia.

The hip joint attaches the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. The top of the femur (femoral head) is rounded like a ball and sits inside the cup-shaped hip socket.

In DDH, the socket of the hip is too shallow and the femoral head isn't held tightly in place, so the hip joint is loose. In severe cases, the femur can come out of the socket (dislocate).

DDH may affect one or both hips but is more common in the left hip. It's also more common in girls and firstborn children. About 1 or 2 in every 1,000 babies have DDH that needs treating.

Without treatment, DDH may lead to problems later in life, including:

• developing a limp
• hip pain especially during the teenage years
• painful and stiff joints (osteoarthritis)

With early diagnosis and treatment, most children are able to develop normally and have a full range of movement in their hip.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016

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