BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), also called hip dysplasia, is a lifelong condition, which occurs in about one in 1,000 people.

DDH sufferers are born with altered hip anatomy. Because the DDH hip is out of joint as it grows, it doesn’t develop properly, and it wears out faster. DDH leads to arthritis at an earlier age.

Who’s at risk?

The most significant risk factor for DDH is a family history of the disorder. Other DDH risk factors include being the first child, being female and breech delivery.

Symptoms

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is often diagnosed in the first year of life.

Symptoms include diminished leg movement in the DDH-affected hip joint, shortening of the leg on the DDH side, asymmetry in leg positions or delay in the onset of gait. One or both hips may have DDH.

Treatment

In infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, a brace or harness is used to hold the hip joints in place during early growth. If bracing fails or if the child is diagnosed later, surgical reconstruction may be needed. DDH usually results in hip pain and hip arthritis through adulthood.

Your doctor can recommend treatments for DDH hip joint pain, including weight loss, exercise and physical therapy, walking aid, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, or anti-inflammatory medications.

Hip replacement surgery is the most common treatment for advanced DDH arthritis, but active patients may be candidates for hip resurfacing surgery.