What Is Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip (DDH)?

The hip is a ‘ball and socket’ joint. The top of the thigh bone (femur) is shaped like a ball and fits into the hip socket (acetabulum).

In DDH, the hip socket may be more shallow and not fully formed. Therefore the ‘ball’ is unable to fit properly and securely into the hip socket.

A subluxable hip is where the ball of the hip joint is able to move freely and loosely in the socket.

A dislocatable hip is where the ball of the hip joint slides in and out of the socket.

Management Of DDH

The treatment consists of maintaining the position of the hip. An abduction splint helps to keep the hips in the correct alignment.

The splint will have to be worn for 3 to 6 months.

Your child will be seen regularly during this time to check that the splint fits well and to examine the hip. Ultrasound scans will be used to help the doctors check the hip placement.

If the hip does not correct with this method, surgical methods may be used to realign the hip. After surgery, a plaster cast will be used to maintain the correct alignment.

Your child may have to undergo physiotherapy after the cast is removed to strengthen the muscles and exercise the hips and legs.

Why Does My Child Have To Wear An Abduction Splint?

• It enables your baby’s hip to be kept in an ideal position that stimulates normal formation and growth of the hip socket.
• Correct positioning of the hips prevent further dislocation of the hip joint.

Using The Abduction Splint

1. Your physiotherapist will show you how to fit the splint for your baby and how to handle and position the baby with the splint on.
2. The abduction splint must be worn at all times except when changing diapers or bathing.
3. When changing diapers, lift from the baby’s lower back or buttocks. Remove the old diaper and place a new one while maintaining legs in a turned out position.
4. When the splint is off:
• Maintain correct positioning of baby’s hips and legs.
• Baby’s thighs remain turned outwards.
• Do not bring baby’s knees together.
• Do not lift baby from the legs.

Protect Your Baby's Skin

• Your baby may get slight redness on his inner thigh because of rubbing against the splint.
• To avoid this, wear long socks. Long pants worn under the splint are not recommended; as it is difficult to fit the long pants while maintaining correct hip and leg position.
• Do not put oil or lotion on the reddened skin as this can increase skin breakdown.

Care Of The Splint

• Do not soak the splint. Clean the splint with a damp soapy towel when dirty.
• Your child will be given a follow up appointment a few weeks after the abduction splint is fitted to check how you are managing with the splint.

How Long Must My Child Wear The Splint?

The splint must be worn until the hip joint becomes stable and well developed. This will be confirmed by X-rays, ultrasound scans and orthopaedic doctor’s assessments.

Your doctor will assess and advise you when the splint can be removed.

What If The Splint Spoils Or My Child Outgrows The Splint?

Please go to the Rehabilitation Department, Basement 1, Children’s Tower, to purchase a replacement.

Professional Fee

Our charges follow the payment status of your referring ward or specialist clinic in KKH.

Physiotherapy charges range from $12.00 – $52.00.

The abduction splint is charged separately.

Useful links:

Children's Clinics | Orthopaedic Surgery doctors | Rehabilitation | Prepare your child for healthcare experiences

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