Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a problem with the way a baby's hip joint forms. Sometimes the problem starts before the baby is born, and sometimes it happens after birth, as the child grows. Using the harness as instructed can help your child's hip develop normally. If the harness doesn't help, the orthopedic specialist may recommend a cast or surgery.
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Your baby:
What causes DDH? DDH is caused by the way the hip joint is formed. The hip joint is made of a ball at the top of the thighbone (called the head of the femur) sitting in a socket (the cup-shaped bone called the acetabulum). This structure lets the hip move in lots of directions.
When a baby has DDH, the ball part of the joint may be completely, or partly, out of the socket. Sometimes the ball part may slide in and out of the socket. Often, the socket is shallow.
How long does my baby need to wear the harness? Babies usually finish wearing the harness after about 6–12 weeks. At first, your baby needs to wear the harness 23–24 hours a day. After a few weeks, your baby might wear it only at night. Follow the instructions by the medical team to make sure your baby gets the most benefit from the harness.
Can DDH run in families? Yes. The health care provider may recommend testing for DDH in any children you have in the future. If they have DDH, treatment can start right away.