Diagnosis
During well-baby visits, doctors typically check for hip dysplasia by moving an infant's legs into a variety of positions that help indicate whether the hip joint fits together well.
Mild cases of hip dysplasia can be difficult to diagnose and might not start causing problems until you're a young adult. If your doctor suspects hip dysplasia, he or she might suggest imaging tests, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI].
Treatment
Hip dysplasia treatment depends on the age of the affected person and the extent of the hip damage. Infants are usually treated with a soft brace, such as a Pavlik harness, that holds the ball portion of the joint firmly in its socket for several months. This helps the socket mold to the shape of the ball.
The brace doesn't work as well for babies older than 6 months. Instead, the doctor may move the bones into the proper position and then hold them there for several months with a full-body cast. Sometimes surgery is needed to fit the joint together properly.
If the dysplasia is more severe, the position of the hip socket can also be corrected. In a periacetabular [per-e-as-uh-TAB-yoo-lur] osteotomy, the socket is cut free from the pelvis and then repositioned so that it matches up better with the ball.
Hip replacement surgery might be an option for older people whose dysplasia has severely damaged their hips over time, resulting in debilitating arthritis.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Preparing for your appointment
You'll probably first bring your concerns to your family doctor. He or she might refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you might want to:
- Write down any signs and symptoms you are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Make a list of any medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
- Consider taking a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Request that a copy of previous medical records be forwarded to your current doctor, if you're changing doctors.
- Write down questions to ask the doctor.
Your time with the doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- What types of side effects can I expect from treatment?
- Are there any alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
- Can you recommend any websites for more information on my condition?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time if you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you or your child first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- If you or your child has already been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, when and where was the diagnosis made?
What You Need to Know
What is developmental dysplasia of the hip?
Developmental dysplasia of the hip [DDH] is a condition in which an infant’s hip joint is not forming properly. The “ball” part of the hip joint is not securely fitting into the “socket.”
What are the symptoms of developmental dysplasia of the hip?
Symptoms that may indicate developmental dysplasia of the hip include:
- Limb length inequality [legs with different lengths]
- Abnormal walking or gait
What are the risk factors of developmental dysplasia of the hip?
DDH is more commonly found in:
- Girls
- First-born babies
- Babies born in the breech or feet-first position
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Diagnosis
Testing varies with age of the patient. Ultrasound is used in patients less than 6 months of age. After 6 months of age, X-ray imaging is used. Patients will also be evaluated in the clinic with special maneuvers to assess the stability of the hip joint.
Understanding Deformity Around the Hip in Children and Young Adults Webinar
Watch our orthopaedic pediatrics expert, Aaron Brandt, M.D., as he discusses developmental hip dysplasia, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Perthes Disease and other hip conditions in this webinar.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Treatment
Treatment varies with age and the severity of the dysplasia. Some infants may be simply observed for a period of time to ensure the hip joints form properly.
Bracing
Some infants may require treatment with a special brace called a Pavlik harness. This brace is very effective and is used to position the baby’s legs to encourage better formation of the hip joint. It can be used up to about 4 months of age.
Casting
Casting is another method used to encourage proper formation of the hip joint in patients with a dislocated hip. A spica body cast is used to maintain the corrected hip position.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required to place the “ball” of the joint back into the “socket.” The surgery may consist of correcting the ball or the socket or both, followed by spica body casting, to hold the corrected position. Sometimes there may also be tight muscles, preventing the ball from sitting in the socket. These muscles may be lengthened to allow for the ball to fit better into the socket.