Update on the management of infant and toddler developmental dysplasia of the hip

BACKGROUND: This article is the third in a commissioned series on paediatric orthopaedics. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) encompasses the pathological spectrum of hip instability that produces subluxation or dislocation and radiological features of abnormal acetabular development. It is important to approach DDH with sound prior knowledge to recognise, diagnose and manage its variety of presentations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to summarise contemporary practice in DDH with an emphasis on recent changes in diagnosis, surveillance and treatment recommendations for general practitioners (GPs), who see infants and toddlers in practice. DISCUSSION: The management of DDH requires accurate diagnosis of the pathoanatomy and depends on the age of the child. GPs are essential for the early detection of DDH, which then allows for harnessing of the remodelling potential of the hip cartilaginous anlage to achieve a stable and mature hip. GPs also play an important part in surveillance, and this article provides an update on the pivotal points.