Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Childhood – Etiology, Diagnostics and Conservative Treatment

Since developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) represents one of the most common congenital deformations of the musculoskeletal system and the most common deformation of the hip joint, the aim is to emphasize the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of DDH as well as comprehensive screening among newborns. DDH represents a dynamic process that results in the action of a number of exogenous and endogenous factors, physiological and mechanical, exerted to the mother and to the child during pregnancy and after delivery. Summary of all current knowledge about the origin of this deformity suggests that the most important factors in the development are hard abdominal muscles and uterine muscles, as limiting factors for fetal movement, which prevents its physiological turn, and reinforces the pelvic presentation of the fetus in uterus. Considering the fact that developmental dysplasia of the hip demands multidisciplinary approach and cooperation among gynecologists, neonatologists, pediatricians, radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons, the goal of this chapter is to make a consensus about early conservative treatment among clinicians, time of commencement, and its efficacy.