What is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

It is a developmental disease of the hip that can be seen at different ages and in different forms. The structures that make up the hip are normal during embryogenesis and show structural deterioration over time for various reasons. The anatomical structure and harmony of the joint are very important for the normal development of the hip in newborns and childhood. The part of the thigh bone, called the femur, where it joins the hip, is in the shape of a ball and forms the joint by sitting in its round socket on the hip bone. This harmony is disrupted in developmental hip dysplasia. As the baby grows, this structural disorder in the joint progresses. The joint can sometimes be completely dislocated. Early diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip is very important. If the treatment is delayed, the patient is faced with lifelong hip problems.

What are the Symptoms of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

• Unsymmetrical leg and hip skin folds in unilateral dislocations
• Restriction in hip movements
• Different leg lengths
• Retardation in motor functions such as sitting, crawling, walking
• Pain in the hip that begins at a young age
• Development of arthrosis in the hip in the early period due to wear

What are the Risk Factors in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

• First birth (due to low volume of the mother's womb and pressure from other structures in the abdomen)
• Girl child (lax ligament caused by the hormone called Estrogen)
• Babies born with a breech birth
• The risk is higher in babies with a family history of hip dislocation.
• Swaddling increases the risk of hip dislocation in infants.

Can Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip  Be Prevented?

It is very important to make an early diagnosis with hip ultrasound performed for examination and screening in the neonatal period. The most important aspects of hip ultrasound are that it allows rapid and precise diagnosis and is not harmful to the child. It is known that the optimal period for routine scans and ultrasound is between 4-6 weeks after birth. The aim of the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip is to anatomically reposition the hip joint as soon as possible.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Treatment

One of the most important issues in treatment is when the patient is diagnosed. The later the diagnosis is made, the higher the complexity of the interventions and the risk of complications. The treatment protocol is closely related to the time the patient was diagnosed and varies.