•  
  •  

Risk Factors for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Several factors increase a child's risk for having developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), including:

  • A family history of DDH.
  • Being the firstborn child or a baby who had low amounts of amniotic fluid in the womb.
  • Being female. DDH affects girls more than boys.
  • Being born buttocks first (breech position).
  • Having knee and foot deformities.
  • Being white. DDH is rarely seen in black children.

DDH may be related to higher-than-expected amounts of the hormones in the mother's bloodstream that loosen ligaments during pregnancy. Female babies may be more sensitive to these hormones, which may be one reason why DDH affects girls more than boys.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised March 12, 2012

Last Revised: March 12, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.