Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH), Congenital Hip Dislocation

Developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) is a disorder in which the relationship between the ball of the hip joint (femoral head) and its socket (acetabulum) is disrupted because of a deficiency in the anatomical development of the hip joint. This disorder can be manifested not only as hip dislocation but also as insufficient deepening of the hip joint (acetabular dysplasia), semi-dislocation (subluxation) or complete dislocation at different stages.

Hip ultrasound scans performed in the newborn period are vital for the early diagnosis of DDH. Family history, breech presentation (the position of the mother’s abdomen with the buttocks in front) and firstborn girls are in the risk group.

If intervention is possible in the first 6 months, the hip is encouraged to develop in its natural position with dynamic devices such as the Pavlik bandage. In intermediate and advanced dysplasia, plaster applications (pelvipedal cast), closed or open reduction under general anesthesia or open surgical interventions can be applied if necessary.

Untreated DDH can lead to gait disturbances in childhood, coxarthrosis (hip arthrosis) at a young age and permanent disability.