DDH is a common paediatric hip condition, occurring in up to 20/1000 births. This covers a spectrum of disease, from dislocation of the hip to dysplasia (which means a poorly formed hip joint).
The risk factors are: Female, First born, Breech presentation, Family history, Birth Weight over 4.5 kg, Oligohydramnios, and multiple pregnancy
Treatment will be very specific to your child.
Management of DDH depends on the age of the baby and the severity of the condition. In mild cases no treatment may be needed. For moderate to severe dysplasia, bracing is usually required.
Dislocated hips require extra treatment and this will depend on the age of the baby or child, and the ability to reduce and hold the hips in place. Treatment ranges from bracing to surgery.
Further Information: Royal Children’s Hospital website - www.rch.org.au (go to O, then Orthopaedics in the index and then to parent information)