Hip Dysplasia
June is Hip Dysplasia Awareness Month
Hip Dysplasia Awareness Month is a great time to learn how early detection and safe practices can protect your child’s hip health—for life.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together as they should. It can affect people of all ages—from newborns to adults.
In newborns, 1 in 6 have some form of hip instability. For many, this resolves naturally after birth—but for others, the joint may develop abnormally if left untreated.
Because the condition can develop after birth, it’s often called Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). You may also hear the term Congenital Hip Dysplasia.
Why Early Detection Is So Important
DDH can range in severity—from mild misalignment to full dislocation of the hip. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the more effective and less invasive the treatment can be.
Regular screening in the first year of life is the best way to identify and manage the condition early.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Several factors increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia in babies:
Female sex
First-born status
Family history of hip dysplasia
Breech position in the womb
Connective tissue or neuromuscular disorders
Improper swaddling that restricts natural hip movement
Signs to Watch For:
In Newborns and Infants:
A noticeable “click” or “clunk” when moving the hips
Uneven thigh or buttock creases
Limited hip movement or difficulty spreading the legs apart
Weight shifting to one side while sitting
Different leg lengths
In Older Babies (6–18 Months+):
Avoiding weight-bearing on one leg
Walking on tiptoes on one side
Limping or uneven walking pattern
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your GP or Osteopath.
How to Help Prevent Hip Dysplasia
Screening is key—but there are also things parents and caregivers can do at home:
✅ Let your baby’s hips move freely in a natural, “M-shaped” position (knees bent and spread out)
✅ Choose hip-safe swaddling and carriers
🚫 Avoid tight wrapping or gear that holds the legs together unnaturally
Your maternal and child health professional should assess your baby’s hips regularly during checkups and so can your Osteopath.
To learn more, visit:
https://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/