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Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children

Hip joint dysplasia in newborns and infants; if diagnosed early, treatment with a Pavlik harness is successful.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a spectrum disorder of the hip joint, the most common congenital orthopaedic problem.

Causes include intrauterine breech position, family history, female sex, first child and oligohydramnios.

Without screening late diagnosis (>6 months) requires surgical treatment; in early diagnosis Pavlik harness treatment provides 95% success.

Symptoms

Audible click on Ortolani-Barlow examination of the hip
Asymmetry in leg lengths (Galeazzi sign)
Asymmetry in skin folds at the hip-thigh
Limitation in hip abduction (<60°)
Limp on starting to walk (toddler period)
Trendelenburg gait (waddling gait)
Hip pain and difficulty walking (in adolescents)

Risk Factors

Female sex (4-fold higher risk)
Breech position (especially frank breech)
Family history (sibling with DDH)
First child and oligohydramnios
Low birth weight and prematurity
Native American and Mediterranean origin
Tight swaddling (extension swaddling)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Routine examination of all newborns (Ortolani-Barlow) is mandatory
  • Hip ultrasound is recommended for high-risk infants at 4-6 weeks
  • If diagnosed under 6 months, Pavlik harness treatment must be started
  • Closed or open reduction is needed if diagnosed after 6 months

Treatment Methods

01
Pavlik harness (early diagnosis 0-6 months)
02
Hip spica cast (closed reduction, 6-18 months)
03
Open reduction and femoral osteotomy (after 18 months)
04
Salter or pelvic osteotomy (in older children)
05
Periodic radiological follow-up (until age 5)
06
Total hip prosthesis in adulthood (untreated cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.