Video Explanation: Hip Dysplasia – What Parents Need to Know

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH, formerly called "congenital hip dislocation") is an abnormality where the hip joint doesn't develop correctly. It can range from mild instability to complete dislocation of the femoral head. **Spectrum of the condition:** DDH includes various degrees of severity: - **Immature hip:** Slightly delayed development, often normalizes spontaneously. - **Dysplasia:** The acetabulum (the pelvic "cup") is too shallow, the hip is unstable. - **Subluxation:** The femoral head is partially out of place. - **Dislocation:** The femoral head is completely out of the acetabulum. **Risk factors:** Breech presentation, family history (parents or siblings with DDH), female sex (4:1 ratio), firstborn, oligohydramnios. In the presence of risk factors, ultrasound screening is strongly recommended. **Early diagnosis:** In the first months of life, hip ultrasound is the key exam. It allows visualization of the joint (still predominantly cartilaginous and therefore invisible to X-rays) and classification of dysplasia degree according to Graf classification. **Treatment:** Early treatment (within 6 months) with the Pavlik harness has a success rate over 90%. Late diagnoses may require casts, braces, or more complex surgical interventions, with less predictable results. **The importance of screening:** Untreated DDH leads to limping, limb shortening, and early arthritis. Early screening allows avoiding these consequences with simple and effective treatments.