Late Presenting Congenital Dysplasia of the Hip
- Most cases of DDH should be detected from neonatal assessment and selective Ultrasound screening.
- Later presentation may occur as occasionally DDH is not detected by neonatal clinical assessment.
- If there is any suspicion of possible DDH (shortening, reduced hip abduction, asymmetric skin folds, limp once walking) urgent referral should be made to our Children’s Orthopaedic Service.
- Bilateral late presenting hip dislocation is rare (<10%) but these patients may present later as they have none of the usual asymmetry.
- Once the child is over 6 months old, X-ray should be used for diagnosis rather than ultrasound and ideally this should be arranged from primary care although it is not essential.