Our six-week old daughter has hip dysplasia. The doctor thought it might go away by now but it hasn’t. What’s the next step?

Hip dysplasia is also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). An older, more outdated term would be congenital hip dysplasia. The change in name reflects the fact that DDH is a developmental process that occurs over time. It develops either in utero (in the uterus) or during the first year of life. It may or may not be present at birth.

DDH is a common disorder affecting infants and young children. In this condition the head of the femur (thigh bone) does not sit inside the acetabulum (hip socket) like it should. In mild cases called unstable hip dysplasia, the hip is in the joint but easily dislocated. More severe cases are partially dislocated or completely dislocated. A partial dislocation is called subluxation.

When hip dysplasia is present at birth, the parents or caregivers are shown how to double or triple diaper the baby. This will help hold the hip in good position. If after six weeks the hip remains unstable, then a special harness called the Pavlik harness may be used for the next three to nine months.

The harness keeps the hip in flexion (bent) and abduction (moved out and away from the body). If the hip still isn’t improved, surgery may be needed. Your doctor will work closely with you over the next few months to get started with treatment. Close follow-up is needed to ensure the best timing for any other treatment, especially surgery.