Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
About developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
The hip joint
The hip is a ‘ball-and-socket’ joint. The socket is called the acetabulum, and it is part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is called the femoral head, and it is on the top of the femur (thighbone). In a normal hip, the ball fits firmly into the socket. If the ball is not in the correct position within the socket, then the hip joint cannot develop as it should.
What is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?
In babies and children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), the hip joint has not formed properly. The ball is loose in the socket. In all cases of DDH, the socket (acetabulum) is shallow. This condition is referred to as dysplasia, and the affected socket is described as dysplastic
Page contents
On this page you will find information about:
- About developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
- Types of DDH
- DDH FAQ
- Contact Details
- DDH Information Hub
- Parent’s guide to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
- Non-operative treatments for Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
- Surgical treatments and hip spica casts for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
Types of DDH
There are different forms of developmental hip dysplasia.
In the mildest form of DDH, the ligaments or joint capsule are lax (not tight), and the joint may be unstable. This is quite common. Most of these babies will develop normal hips after 12 weeks. However, we cannot predict which baby’s hips will develop normally after 12 weeks and which hips won’t. So, almost all mild cases will need to be monitored using X-ray to check the development after a few months.
Only babies and children whose hips remain unstable after 12 weeks will require early active treatment in a harness or brace, while others may be followed up regularly in a clinic with repeat X-rays.
DDH FAQ
Contact Details
Details of Orthopaedic Consultants in Children’s Health Ireland can be found on our website www.childrenshealthireland.ie
CHI at Crumlin
- DDH Clinical Nurse Specialists
Phone: 01 409 6100 / bleep 355
Voicemail extension: 2377
CHI at Temple Street
- Nurses for DDH Clinics (Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Phone: 01 878 4595 - Orthopaedic Nurse Phone: 01 878 4200
- CHI at Temple Street Clinical Nurse Manager for Orthopaedics
Phone: 01 892 1722
DDH Information Hub
In this DDH Information Hub you can download a range of guides to help you to understand DDH and the treatment options for your child. You can also read stories from other families, which can be helpful to prepare you for what to expect every step of the way.
Parent’s guide to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
This guide has been designed to answer your questions about DDH and the anatomy of a child's hip joint.
Non-operative treatments for Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
This guide has been designed to answer your questions about non-surgical treatments for DDH, and to give you information about caring for your child while he/she is in a Pavlik harness or a hip abduction brace.
Surgical treatments and hip spica casts for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
This guide has been designed to answer your questions about DDH surgery and recovery. It explains different surgery options, and the types of spica casts used afterwards. Experiences and tips from other families will help you to know what to expect every step of the way.