Dr. Michael Vohrer
Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common hip conditions in newborns. Early detection makes all the difference — here's what to look for.
Hip dysplasia — also called developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) — occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leaving the ball of the femur sitting loosely in a shallow socket. It ranges from mild instability to complete dislocation.
In Dubai, as across the world, DDH affects roughly 1–2% of newborns. It's more common in girls, firstborns, and babies who were breech. There's also a strong familial component — if a parent had DDH, the risk is higher for their children.
The reassuring news is that early detection is almost always curative. Caught in the first few weeks of life, a soft Pavlik harness worn for 6–12 weeks gently repositions the hip and allows the socket to deepen around the femoral head. The outcome is virtually always excellent.
Left undetected, DDH becomes far harder to treat. By toddlerhood it may require surgery. By adolescence, it can cause chronic pain, a limp, and early-onset arthritis. This is why every newborn at Circle Care Clinic receives a hip examination at birth and at the 6-week check, and we perform an ultrasound for any baby with risk factors.
What should parents look for? In a young infant: unequal leg lengths, asymmetric skin folds on the thighs, or a hip that feels or sounds like it clicks. In a walking toddler: a limp, waddling gait, or a leg that seems shorter. Any of these warrants same-week review — please don't wait for the next routine check.
