What is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) refers to abnormal formation of the hip joint. Many times it is diagnosed at birth, occurring approximately once in every 1,000 live births. The hip joint is created as a ball and socket joint. In DDH, the hip socket may be shallow, letting the “ball” of the long leg bone, also known as the femoral head, slip in and out of the socket. The “ball” may move partially or completely out of the hip socket. The greatest incidence of DDH occurs in first-born females with a history of a close relative with the condition.
