Hip

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

During physical examination, hip instability, where the ball comes out of the socket, produces a "clunk" that can be felt as the hips move. With a dislocated hip, range of motion is reduced and the affected lower limb appears shorter than the other (non-affected) side.

The next step for a child under 6 months of age who is suspected of having DDH is to have an ultrasound test. This painless and non-invasive test, which takes about 15 minutes, is done in the doctor's office. Ultrasound provides a picture of the ball and socket, from which the severity of the DDH can be determined.

For a child older than 6 months of age, the best test is an X-ray. This test also is painless and noninvasive, and the radiation exposure is less than the routine background radiation present in the environment.

Once a child with DDH begins to walk, the dislocated hip will produce a limp. Again, this is considered a silent condition since the child most likely will not complain about the limb. If both hips are dislocated, the child will waddle from side to side, which may even be considered cute by onlookers.

In special cases, DDH is not diagnosed until a child reaches the teenage years. This typically occurs in girls who begin to experience hip pain while performing physical activities, such as playing sports.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007