Greater awareness and better screening is needed to help early detection of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).

 

Greater awareness and effective early screening of babies is needed to help early detection of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).

Though midwives ask about family history of DDH during the early booking in appointments, Spica Warrior, a charity dedicated to the condition is saying much more needs to be done.

Founder, Natalie Trice said, “When it comes to DDH, early diagnosis is vital. A consistent, strict screening process and professionals being aware of the signs of DDH could mean the difference between healthy hips and a child who ends up in constant pain. My son was a late diagnosis and he is now six and still enduring operations and uncertainty but and we aren’t alone.”

DDH is not life threatening but can lead to disability, extreme long term pain and associated conditions. It is caused when ball and socket hip joint does not develop correctly.

Mother Lena Court said: “My daughter was diagnosed with no hip sockets at all when she was 16 months old. She spent 11 consecutive months in plaster from chest to ankles and repeated surgeries have failed to stabilise her hips. She now uses crutches and a wheelchair on bad days and has frequent dislocations and will need hip replacements when she’s 20. Something needs to change.”

 

Babies at a high risk of DDH may already have a family history of hip conditions but not all cases are identified at birth.

If parents notice clicking hips, a limited range of motion or uneven creases in their child’s legs then Spica Warrior says it’s vital they see a GP or Health Visitor.

For more information, visit: www.spicawarrior.com