Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH): diagnosis and treatment

The majority of neonatal hip joint instabilities and sonographic hip dysplasia spontaneously resolve without treatment. Persistent hip joint instability is initially treated with bracing/splintage, the majority resolving without further additional treatment. Some early presenting probable irreducible hip dislocations can be treated by manipulation under anaesthetic, hip arthrography plus the application of a hip spica. If this procedure fails, if it is not technically possible or if the dislocation presents 'late', more invasive surgery with open reduction of the hip joint and reconstructive surgery to the pelvis or femur may be necessary.