Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the development of a baby’s hip joint, sometimes causing the hip socket to partially or completely fail to cover the ball portion of the femur. While this may sound alarming, early detection and intervention can ensure your child develops strong, healthy hips and avoids long-term complications. Recognizing the signs of hip dysplasia in infants and understanding how pediatric specialists screen for this condition are essential steps for every parent.
What Is DDH and Why Early Detection Matters
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) refers to a spectrum of hip abnormalities present at birth or that develop during infancy. In some cases, the hip may be mildly shallow, while in others, the femoral head may be partially or fully dislocated.
Early detection is vital because the first months of life are when the hip socket is still soft and moldable. Non-surgical treatments like the Pavlik harness are highly effective during this window. If DDH is not detected early, the child may develop hip pain, limping, unequal leg lengths, or arthritis later in life.
Certain infants are at higher risk:
- Breech birth: Babies born feet-first are significantly more likely to have DDH.
- Family history: A parent or sibling with hip dysplasia increases risk.
- First-born females: Tighter uterine conditions in first-born girls can contribute to abnormal hip development.
- Other factors include low amniotic fluid or multiple pregnancies.
Being aware of these risk factors helps parents and pediatricians prioritize early evaluation.
Common Signs Parents Can Notice at Home
While some cases of DDH are subtle, there are several DDH signs that parents can watch for:
- Hip click or clunk: A popping or clicking sound when gently moving the baby’s legs. This may indicate that the femoral head is moving in and out of the socket.
- Asymmetric thigh folds: Unequal skin folds on the baby’s thighs or buttocks.
- Limited hip abduction: Difficulty spreading the legs apart while changing diapers or during gentle movement.
- Unequal leg lengths: One leg may appear shorter than the other when the baby lies flat.
- Noticeable limp or altered gait: This may not appear until the child begins walking.
Even if these signs are mild or intermittent, they warrant discussion with your pediatrician. Many infants with DDH show no obvious symptoms at birth, which makes routine screening critical.
Clinical Screening: What Doctors Look For
Pediatricians use specific maneuvers to detect hip instability during routine exams:
- Ortolani test: The doctor gently abducts the baby’s hips while applying forward pressure on the thigh. A “clunk” indicates the femoral head moving back into the socket.
- Barlow maneuver: The hips are adducted while applying backward pressure. A positive result means the femoral head can be dislocated from the socket.
- Galeazzi sign: The baby’s knees are flexed while lying on their back. Uneven knee heights suggest one femur may be displaced.
- Assessment of hip abduction: Limited range of motion can indicate a shallow or improperly aligned hip socket.
These tests are painless and non-invasive but require skill to perform correctly. Positive findings typically lead to imaging studies for confirmation.
Confirming Diagnosis: Ultrasound, X-ray & Imaging
Imaging is key to diagnosing DDH:
- Ultrasound: Ideal for babies under six months because the hip socket is still cartilage, which X-rays cannot visualize. Ultrasound allows precise evaluation of hip joint development and alignment.
- X-ray: Used in older infants and toddlers once the bones begin to ossify. X-rays can show the position of the femoral head relative to the acetabulum.
- Other imaging tools: In complex cases, MRI or specialized scans may be used to assess hip anatomy before surgery.
Accurate imaging ensures that infants receive the correct treatment promptly, minimizing the risk of invasive procedures later.
What to Do If You Notice Signs
If you notice any of the signs of hip dysplasia in infants, take action promptly:
- Schedule a pediatric visit: Share your observations, including any clicks, asymmetric folds, or limited hip movement.
- Request imaging if needed: An ultrasound or X-ray may be recommended based on risk factors or clinical findings.
- Seek referral to a pediatric orthopedist: Especially important for babies with positive DDH signs or high-risk factors like breech birth or family history.
Early evaluation is crucial. Non-surgical interventions are highly effective when started within the first months of life, while delayed diagnosis may require more invasive procedures.
Supporting Hip-Healthy Development at Home
Parents can support their baby’s hip health through everyday care:
- Safe swaddling: Avoid tightly wrapping the legs straight down. Allow the hips to flex and abduct naturally.
- Frequent tummy time: Encourages muscle development and strengthens the hip joint.
- Proper baby carriers: Use carriers that support a spread-squat (M-shaped) position.
- Regular pediatric checkups: Ensure hips are assessed during well-baby visits.
These practices promote natural hip development and complement medical interventions when needed.
Schedule a Consultation with The Pediatric Orthopedic Center
If you notice any DDH signs or have a baby with risk factors, timely consultation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist is essential. At the Pediatric Orthopedic Center, we provide:
- Expert evaluation for hip dysplasia and related conditions.
- Accurate imaging and interpretation using ultrasound, X-ray, and AI-enhanced tools.
- Non-surgical treatment options, including Pavlik harness or bracing for infants.
- Surgical solutions for cases that require reduction or realignment, tailored to age and severity.
- Guidance for hip-healthy development, from safe swaddling to post-treatment rehabilitation.
Early detection and intervention are the keys to ensuring your child grows with strong, stable, and healthy hips. Don’t wait—schedule a consultation today to protect your child’s hip health and set them on the path to a lifetime of pain-free movement.
