Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

June is Development Dysplasia of the Hip Awareness Month!

Everyday 8-10 children in Australia are diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) yet only 57% of new parents are aware of the condition prior to their diagnosis.

Hip dysplasia isn’t always present at birth, hence the term developmental in the diagnosis.

It is vital that it is not missed. Early diagnosis optimises treatment outcomes and the longer it is until diagnosis the more intensive the treatment. Unfortunately, the incidence of late diagnosis is on the rise, and when left undiagnosed it’s one of the leading causes of early-onset arthritis of the hip in adults.

Risk factors for DDH:

• Female

• First born

• Family history for DDH

• Breech lie

• Neuromuscular or connective tissue disorder associated with DDH

• Inappropriate swaddling

There are signs and symptoms to look our in infants and older babies:

Things to look for in infants (0-3months):

• A click or clunk when moving the leg/ hip

• One or both legs are difficult to move out to the side during nappy changes, or baby seems uncomfortable

• One leg has more creases on the thigh

• One buttocks is more defined than the other (check when bub is on their tummy)

Things to look for in older babies (6 months - 18months+):

• Weight off to one side when sitting

• Baby bottom shuffles instead of crawling

• Baby has one leg turned out in standing/ walking

• One leg seems shorter than the other

• Avoidance of weight bearing or limping when walking

• + all of the early signs above.

Remember that DDH isnt always present at birth, and can develop later on so regular hip checks and screen is always important.

If you would like your baby's hips checked as part of a healthy baby check- book in with our paediatric treating Physiotherapists Beck and Emma, (02) 4861 1223.

For more information on correct swaddling techniques head to our facebook and instagram pages for the do’s and dont’s!