Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a condition affecting the hip joint in infants, in which the head of the femur is not properly settled inside the hip socket in the pelvis. Its severity ranges from an unstable hip that can be easily dislocated to a fully dislocated hip from birth. Detecting it early is one of the most important newborn examinations.

The likelihood of this condition increases with known factors such as: breech position in the womb, female sex, being the first child, a family history of the condition, and tight swaddling of the legs. It is often not painful in the infant and not clearly visible to parents, so its detection relies on regular clinical hip examination in newborns (with special maneuvers) and on hip ultrasound in the first months for at-risk groups, since the problem is hard to see on X-ray before the joint ossifies.

The importance of early detection lies in the fact that treatment in the first months of life is simple and highly effective: a special harness or device (such as a Pavlik harness) that holds the hips in the correct position for several weeks is often enough for the joint to develop properly. If diagnosis is delayed until the child begins to walk, signs such as limping and leg-length difference may appear, treatment becomes harder and may need a cast or surgery, and permanent joint problems may remain in the future. Adhering to newborn hip examinations is therefore extremely important.

• Often painless and not clearly visible to parents in the infant.
• Asymmetry of the thigh folds or a leg-length difference.
• A clicking sound or sensation when moving the hip.
• With delayed walking: a limp or a waddling gait.

• Instability of the femoral head in the hip socket from birth.
• Factors: breech position, female sex, first child, family history.
• Tight swaddling of the legs after birth.

• Regular clinical hip examination in newborns (special maneuvers).
• Hip ultrasound in the first months for at-risk groups.
• Hip X-ray after the joint ossifies (after several months).

Early treatment (most effective)

• A special harness or device (such as a Pavlik harness) that holds the hips in the correct position for several weeks.

Late or resistant cases

• A cast after reducing the joint.
• Surgery to reduce and stabilize the joint in advanced cases.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

• Limping and leg-length difference with delayed treatment.
• Early hip arthritis and future chronic pain.
• The need for more difficult surgeries with delayed diagnosis.

• Regular newborn hip examination, especially for at-risk groups.
• Avoiding tight leg swaddling (safe swaddling leaves room for hip movement).
• Early follow-up with a family history or breech birth.