Hip dislocation in a child is due to inadequate development of the cup also known as acetabular cavity. This leads to progressing uncovering and subsequently getting out of the femoral head out of the acetabular cavity. Cause is genetic mutation in the limb development.

Signs and symptoms- child who can not walk will have unequal leg length, and child who can walk will have painless limp while walking.

Investigations – USG of the hip joint is an excellent modality to diagnose and screen a young child. After 3 months of age x-ray can give a valuable information regarding the diagnosis.

Treatment-

< 3 months of age, a brace named Pavlik harness is applied

3 months to 9 months– Closed reduction and hip spica is recommended

9 months to 1.5 years – Closed reduction can be tried but usually fails, hence surgery like open reduction and osteotomy might be required.

>1.5 years– Surgery- Open reduction and bony osteotomy is usually required.

Four year old boy with right DDH treated with Open reduction, VDRO, Degas osteotomy

Six year old boy with Right side relapsed DDH corrected with Revision Open reduction,VDRO, Dega acetabuloplasty