Developmental Dysplasia of Hips
Babies who are breech, have less amniotic fluid around them during pregnancy, have abnormal hip examination findings or those who have family history of hip dysplasia are at high risk of DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of Hips). These babies are examined by Paediatrician at birth and at discharge check to assess the laxity and stability of hip joints. We may consider an early hip ultrasound and hip braces early on if the joint is unstable. If the joint is relatively stable then we consider doing the hip ultrasound at 6 weeks of life instead. Irrespective of the hip ultrasound findings, we recommend doing hip X-ray at 6 months of life as small proportion of babies having normal hip ultrasound at 6 weeks of life can be missed and may require intervention.