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