Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

Question 1

What is DDH?

Answer 1

It is a condition in which there is the presence of a shallow acetabulum, meaning there is a reduced coverage of the femoral head, therefore increasing the risk of dislocation or subluxation of the femoral head

Question 2

Which gender is more likely to get DDH?

Answer 2

Females (8:1)

Question 3

What are some risk factors that predispose to DDH?

Answer 3

• Female (Relaxin in bloodstream from pregnancy causes softening of cartilage)
• Breech babies
• Family history
• Oligohydramnios
• > 4kg at birth
• Multiple pregnancy (e.g. twins)

Question 4

What is a cause of non-congenital DDH?

Answer 4

Different cultures have different ways of swaddling children, which causes large discrepancies in numbers of children with DDH

Question 5

Describe the pathophysiology of DDH

Answer 5

DDH is caused the shallowing of the acetabulum, allowing for an increased risk of dislocation and can lead to early onset osteoarthritis