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Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is when the ball-shaped part of the end of the thighbone and the socket do not fit correctly together. There are varying levels of hip dysplasia, from mild to severe.
If the ball (femoral head) is not held correctly in place, the socket may be more shallow than usual. Sometimes this makes the joint less stable and the ball may slide in and out of the socket. This is called a dislocatable or ‘subluxatable’ hip. If the ball loses contact with the socket and stays outside the joint, it is called a dislocated hip. One or both hips may be affected.
Around 1 or 2 in every 1000 babies have developmental dysplasia of the hip that needs treatment. It may affect one or both hips but is most common in the left hip. It is also more common in girls.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip can happen to any baby, but some factors make the condition more likely.
Sometimes there is no identified risk factor and the cause is unknown. A possible factor that could hinder normal hip development is tight swaddling. Anything that pulls the hips straight or restricts their natural movement should be avoided.
Your baby may be referred to our orthopaedic department due to the above risk factors.
Your baby may have had an examination as a newborn and at 6 to 8 weeks old, where the examining clinician may have felt a clicking or clunking at the hip which can indicate instability. An ultrasound scan of the hips is performed to check their positioning and will confirm a diagnosis. If your child is over 6 months old an X-ray will be performed to confirm a diagnosis.
Babies diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip early in life will be placed into a fabric splint called a Pavlik harness.
The harness holds both the hips in a stable position and allows them to develop normally. The harness will be fitted in clinic by the orthotist. The Pavlik harness needs to be worn 24 hours a day for several weeks and should only be removed by a health professional.
You will have regular follow ups with further ultrasound scans to follow your baby’s progress and the harness may be adjusted. As the treatment progresses your baby may be allowed short periods of time out of the harness before it can be permanently removed. This will be discussed at follow up appointments. The length of time spent in the harness is variable depending on the severity of your baby’s hip condition.
It will take some time to get used to your baby being in the Pavlik harness but your baby will adapt very quickly.
If you are breastfeeding your baby you can continue to do this. We can put you in contact with the infant feeding team to go through positioning and attachment if this becomes an issue.
While your baby is in the Pavlik harness 24 hours a day they cannot go in the bath. However, you can sponge bath your baby.
If the harness becomes soiled do not remove it if your baby is in it for 24 hours day. Clean as best you can and if you think needs replacing please get in contact with us.
You may need larger (size up), loose fitting clothes. Although not always necessary. Marks and Spencers, and Next sell a hip dysplasia range of clothes if you are wanting to buy new. Alternatively, social media groups are useful for second hand.
You will not need any special equipment whilst your baby is in the harness. They will still be able to fit in a normal car seat, pram and cot.
Your consultant will discuss your baby’s progress at each appointment with you. If the harness is not working then it will be discontinued and further options will be discussed at this stage.
Steps Charity website have useful information and leaflets on Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), the Pavlik harness and caring for your baby whilst undergoing treatment
Hipdysplasia have information and a useful section of hip healthy products for baby wearing and swaddling
Social media support groups for Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) are a good community to ask questions and meet others going through similar experiences.
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: ORP22
Resource Type: Article
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