What is hip dysplasia?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), also known as hip dysplasia, is a congenital condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop normally. DDH ranges from a minor laxity (looseness) of the ligament that holds the ball in the socket to a complete dislocation in which the ball is entirely out of the socket.

How common is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is the most common developmental hip deformity in children, and the most common single cause of osteoarthritis of the hip in young and older adults. Complete dislocation of the hip affects one or two out of 1,000 babies. Milder DDH is more common.

Care for hip dysplasia

If your baby or child has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, you’ll have concerns and questions about treatment, recovery, outlook and other issues. The specialists in the Boston Children’s Hospital Child and Young Adult Hip Preservation Program support families every step of the way. Our team has treated thousands of children with every level of complexity and severity of DDH.