DISEASE/DISORDER: DEVELOPMENTAL HIP DYSPLASIA

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY RISK FACTORS

Developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) is a condition
 Female sex
characterized by abnormal development of the hip joint in
 First-born babies
babies and young children. The pathophysiology of DDH
involves several factors, including capsular laxity,
 Breech presentation
mechanical factors, and abnormal growth of the hip  Positive family history
structures. DDH is primarily caused by a combination of  Limited amniotic fluid
genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors can  Infant positioning
contribute to the development of abnormal hip structures,
such as a shallow acetabulum (the cup-shaped socket of
the hip joint) or a poorly formed femoral head (the
rounded top of the thigh bone).Environmental factors, DIAGNOSTICS
such as swaddling techniques that restrict hip movement,
 Patient History and Physical Exam: The first step
can also play a role in the development of DDH.
in diagnosing DDH is a thorough patient history
and physical examination.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS  Imaging Studies
 X-ray
Clinical features vary for mild hip instability, limited  Ultrasound
abduction in the infant, asymmetric gait in the  MRI or CT scan
toddler, hip pain in adolescence, and osteoarthritis  Ultrasound-Guided Diagnostic Injection
in the adult.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATIONS

 Wearing a brace: Babies may need to wear a brace

or harness that holds their hips in place.
 Physical therapy: A physical therapist will give you
stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles
NURSING INTERVENTIONS & around your hip joint and improve your flexibility.
PATIENT TEACHINGS  Hip dysplasia surgery: Your provider may
recommend surgery to correct hip dysplasia if other
1. Education on Risk Factors - Teach parents about the risk
treatments don’t work.
factors associated with developmental hip dysplasia.
2. Proper Swaddling Techniques - Educate parents on
proper swaddling techniques that allow for healthy hip
development.
3. Promote Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is associated with POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
a lower risk of hip dysplasia. Educate parents about the  Early-Onset Osteoarthritis
benefits of breastfeeding and provide support if needed.  Hip Instability
4. Monitoring Hip Health - checking for any asymmetry in  Leg Length Discrepancy
leg lengths, limited range of motion in the hips, or clicking
 Pain and Dysfunction
or popping sounds during movement.
 Muscle Imbalance
5. Support and Counseling - Provide emotional support and
counseling to parents if their child is diagnosed with  Psychosocial Impact
developmental hip dysplasia.  Functional Limitations