Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip—Child

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop normally during pregnancy, but it can also be present at birth. Finding DDH early can reduce long-term complications, but most of the time the condition goes away by itself. Early screening for DDH includes hip examinations at every well-baby visit with a doctor or pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening of children with risk factors or those whose physical examinations show abnormalities. Recommendations for imaging tests depend on a child’s age. In infants who are younger than 4 weeks, imaging examinations are not recommended. For children between 4 weeks and 4 months, ultrasound of the hips is usually appropriate if (1) it is unclear from physical examination if DDH is present or (2) there are risk factors for DDH. For children younger than 4 months with a physical examination that shows signs of DHH, ultrasound of the hips is usually appropriate. For children older than 4 months with a concern for DDH, x-ray of the pelvis is usually appropriate. Ultrasound of the hips is usually appropriate to monitor progress in children younger than 6 months with a known diagnosis of DDH who are being treated for their dysplasia by being in a special harness.

— By Anastasia Sumpaopol, BA, and Ryan K. Lee, MD, MBA. This information originally appeared in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.