What is the problem with my baby’s hip joints?
The hip joint is made up of a ball which sits into a socket. As a baby’s hip joint is made of cartilage (which is soft and malleable) the development can be affected and the socket part can be shallow.
This allows the ball part to slip in and out of the socket part. Although your baby is not in any discomfort, this could cause them difficulties as they grow if it is not dealt with at this stage.
The condition is called Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).
What causes the hips to be shallow?
Sometimes there is a family history of hip dysplasia or there has been restricted movement of the baby during the pregnancy due to breech position or reduced fluid levels around the baby. Often there is no reason.
