WHAT IS IT?
RISK FACTORS
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
WHAT IS IT?
DDH is abnormal development or growth of the hip joint (which includes the femoral head and the Acetabulum) which causes the hip joint to come out of its socket either before or shortly after birth. DDH is more common in girls than boys, due to the female hormones involved in pregnancy.
Some signs and symptoms that your child might have DDH include:
Some signs and symptoms that your child might have DDH include:
- Asymmetrical thigh folds (due to one limb being shorter)
- Decreased opening of hip (of affected side)
- Knees at different levels (when both hips and knees are flexed side by side)
RISK FACTORS
- Small womb size
- Breech position during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy
- Children with family history of hip dysplasia
- Positioning of baby after birth (ie. keeping legs together in carrier)
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
0 - 6 months old: If the hip can be relocated into its socket, then a Pavlik harness is used to maintain the hip bone centered in its socket, it restricts movement to the back and to the outside, but allows movements in the other directions. Physiotherapy can help ensure your child is as active as possible to develop motor skills while wearing the harness.
6 - 24 months old: Throughout this period a doctor may try to relocate the hip under general anesthesia, without surgery, followed by application of a hip cast. If this fails to maintain the hip in its socket, then surgery may be necessary to relocate the hip. Physiotherapy can be beneficial after casting or after surgery to regain movement and strength in the hip so that your child can continue to explore their surroundings and discover their motor abilities.
> 18 months old: After 18 months a surgical approach is an option to relocate the hip. Physiotherapy after a surgical intervention is important for your child to regain movement and strength in their hip in order to return to full participation in their activities.
6 - 24 months old: Throughout this period a doctor may try to relocate the hip under general anesthesia, without surgery, followed by application of a hip cast. If this fails to maintain the hip in its socket, then surgery may be necessary to relocate the hip. Physiotherapy can be beneficial after casting or after surgery to regain movement and strength in the hip so that your child can continue to explore their surroundings and discover their motor abilities.
> 18 months old: After 18 months a surgical approach is an option to relocate the hip. Physiotherapy after a surgical intervention is important for your child to regain movement and strength in their hip in order to return to full participation in their activities.
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references
Song, Kit M MD, Staheli, Lynn T MD. (2007). Pediatric Orthopaedic Secrets, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc.
Campbell, S. Vander Linden, D. Palisano, R. (2006). Physical Therapy for Children, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Inc.
Campbell, S. Vander Linden, D. Palisano, R. (2006). Physical Therapy for Children, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Inc.
