Managing Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) involves a spectrum of hip disorders that affect hip anatomy and development and can range from mild anatomical deformity with a reduced but subluxatable hip to a frankly dislocated hip. It was previously known as congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) but this name is no longer used due to the fact that the hip may be anatomically abnormal whilst not being dislocated. The key aim of clinical management of DDH is early diagnosis and referral as this can often mean less invasive treatment is possible, and outcomes are significantly improved if treatment is initiated at an early stage and certainly before 6 wk of age.