Can a baby have hip dysplasia without showing symptoms?

Yes. Some babies with DDH have no obvious signs, especially during the first weeks of life. Routine examinations help doctors identify possible hip problems.

When is hip dysplasia usually detected in babies?

It may be detected during the newborn examination or at later infant visits. Some babies need an ultrasound around four to six weeks of age, depending on their risk factors and examination findings.

Can hip dysplasia correct itself as a baby grows?

Some mild cases may improve naturally, but others need treatment. A doctor should assess the hip and decide whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

Hip Development Problems in Babies: Signs and Early Care

A baby's hips continue to develop during pregnancy and the first months after birth. Some changes in hip development may not be easy to notice in the early weeks, and babies may not show clear signs of a problem. Parents may not realise anything is wrong until a doctor identifies an issue during a routine check-up.

What Is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Babies?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) occurs when the hip socket does not fully support the ball at the top of the thigh bone. The hip joint may be loose, partly displaced or completely dislocated.

The condition can affect one or both hips. Its severity varies, and some babies may not show obvious symptoms in the early weeks of life.

Can Hip Dysplasia Be Missed at Birth?

Yes. DDH can be missed during the newborn examination because the hip may appear normal initially or the changes may be too subtle to detect.

Some babies develop signs as they grow, while others may have mild hip instability that becomes more noticeable later. A normal newborn examination does not completely rule out DDH.

What Causes Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

DDH can develop due to a combination of factors that affect how the hip joint forms before and after birth.

These may include:

Family history: A baby has a higher risk if a parent or sibling had DDH.
Breech position: Babies positioned bottom-first in the later stages of pregnancy have a higher risk.

First pregnancy: DDH is more common in firstborn babies, possibly because the uterus may provide less room for movement.

Being female: DDH is more common in girls.

Limited space in the womb: Conditions that restrict a baby's movement may contribute to hip development problems.

What Are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Babies?

DDH may not cause noticeable symptoms in newborns. As the baby grows, parents or doctors may notice:

One leg appearing shorter than the other.
Uneven folds of skin around the thighs or buttocks.
One hip moving less freely during nappy changes.
A hip that feels unstable during a medical examination.
A waddling walk or walking difficulty if the condition remains untreated until the child begins walking.

How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed in Babies?

Doctors check for DDH through a physical examination and, when needed, imaging tests.

Physical examination: The doctor gently moves the baby's hips to check for looseness, limited movement, or signs of joint instability.
Hip ultrasound: Ultrasound helps assess the hip joint in young babies while the bones are still developing.

X-ray: An X-ray may be used in older infants when the bones are more developed and easier to see.

The timing of imaging depends on the baby's age, examination findings and risk factors. Doctors often perform ultrasound around four to six weeks of age for babies who need screening, though they may recommend a different time based on the situation.

How Is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Treated?

Treatment depends on the baby's age and how severe the hip problem is.

Monitoring: Some mild cases may improve as the hip develops, but regular medical follow-up is important.
Pavlik harness: This soft harness keeps the baby's hips in a position that supports normal joint development. It is commonly used in young infants when appropriate.

Other braces or casts: If the harness is unsuitable or does not work, the doctor may recommend another method to hold the hip in the correct position.

Surgery: Some babies need surgery if the hip remains displaced or the condition is diagnosed later.

Regular baby checkups are important because they allow doctors to examine the hips and recommend an ultrasound if needed. The good news is that early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) often makes treatment simpler. Some babies may need a special harness to help keep the hip in the correct position.Dr Purushottam Das Garg, Consultant Paediatrician at Kailash Deepak Hospital

When Should You Take Your Baby to a Doctor?

Consult your baby's doctor if you notice:

One leg appearing shorter than the other.
Limited movement in one hip during nappy changes.
Uneven folds around the thighs or buttocks.
A family history of hip dysplasia.
A breech position during late pregnancy.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip can sometimes go unnoticed at birth because its signs may be subtle or develop later. Routine hip examinations and timely imaging for babies who need it can help identify the condition early. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before hip development is affected further.

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FAQs on Hip Development Problems in Babies: Signs and Early Care

Can a baby have hip dysplasia without showing symptoms?
Yes. Some babies with DDH have no obvious signs, especially during the first weeks of life. Routine examinations help doctors identify possible hip problems.
When is hip dysplasia usually detected in babies?
It may be detected during the newborn examination or at later infant visits. Some babies need an ultrasound around four to six weeks of age, depending on their risk factors and examination findings.
Can hip dysplasia correct itself as a baby grows?
Some mild cases may improve naturally, but others need treatment. A doctor should assess the hip and decide whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.