Innermost Healthcare
  • Home
  • About Us
    • The Innermost Clinic
    • The Innermost Academy
    • Terms, Conditions & Privacy
    • FAQs
  • What We Do
    • InnerMost – Pregnancy Care
      • Pre-Pregnancy Care
      • Trying to Conceive Care
      • Miscarriage Care
      • First Trimester Care
      • Panorama Test (NIPT)
      • Second Trimester Care
      • Third Trimester Care
      • Preparing for Birth & Baby
      • Newborn Care
      • Pregnancy Packages
    • InnerGene – Genetic Testing
    • InnerHealth – Health/Wellness
    • InnerCorp – MedicoLegal
  • Info for You
    • Links to Advice & Support
    • Private GP Services
    • Growth Scan
    • Wellbeing Scan
    • Cardiac Scan
    • Uterine Artery Scan
    • Cervical Incompetence
    • 4D Baby Bonding Experience
    • Amniocentesis
    • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    • Group B Strep Screening
    • Carrier Screening
    • Vistara Test (Single Gene NIPT)
    • Common Genetic Conditions
    • Biological Age – Body Clock
    • Trucheck Intelli MultiCancer Screen
    • Trucheck Breast Cancer Screen
    • Trucheck Diabetes Screen
    • Trucheck Prostate Cancer Screen
    • CancerTrack Monitoring Test
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections
    • Ovarian Cancer Screening
    • Subcutaneous Injection
  • Pay Online
    • My Basket
    • My Account
    • Make a Payment
    • Checkout
  • Contact
    • Find Us
    • General Enquiry
    • Appointment Request
    • Pregnancy Outcome Form
    • Clinic Feedback Form
  • Our Intranet
  • Search
  • Menu
  • 0Shopping Cart

Recent Posts

  • NIPT and Me Cardiff Life Magazine
  • Innermost healthcare Staff Page – Stay In Touch!

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • November 2022
    • August 2020

    Categories

    • Blog

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org

    Newborn Hip Scan for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

    £100.00

    A newborn hip scan using ultrasound to screen for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) ideally around 6 weeks but can be done between 2-12 weeks.

    What is DDH?

    Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip does not properly form in babies and young children. It’s sometimes called congenital dislocation of the hip, or hip dysplasia.

    The hip joint attaches the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. The top of the femur (femoral head) is rounded, like a ball, and sits inside the cup-shaped hip socket.

    In DDH, the socket of the hip is too shallow and the femoral head is not held tightly in place, so the hip joint is loose. In severe cases, the femur can come out of the socket (dislocate).

    DDH may affect 1 or both hips, but it’s more common in the left hip. It’s also more common in:

    • girls
    • firstborn children
    • families where there have been childhood hip problems (parents, brothers or sisters)
    • babies born in the breech position (feet or bottom downwards) after 28 weeks of pregnancy

    Without early treatment, DDH may lead to:

    • problems moving around, for example a limp
    • pain
    • osteoarthritis of the hip and back

    With early diagnosis and treatment, children are less likely to need surgery, and more likely to develop normally.

    How do you test a baby’s hips for DDH?

    All children in the UK have their hips checked at birth, at six weeks, eight months and at two years.  All babies’ hips are checked at birth and at 6-8 weeks as part of a national screening programme called the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE). The baby’s hips are gently manipulated to see if they are correctly in joint by tests known as the Ortolani and Barlow Tests. If the examination is abnormal then they will have a DDH Hip Ultrasound Scan. Even if the physical examination is normal NHS guidelines say that any baby’s with additional risk factors should have an ultrasound examination within 6 weeks any way as ultrasound is the gold standard test for detecting hip problems in babies under 6 months.

    Click here to read more about our services for Newborn babies.

    Will the routines tests always pick up babies with DDH?

    No. Unfortunately In more than half of cases there are no identified risk factors to trigger an ultrasound scan and the examination misses some. In many European countries ALL babies are therefore offered an ultrasound as it is more accurate than just examining their hips or just scanning when risk factors are present..

    How would I know if my baby had DDH that was missed?

    The physical examination is not 100% accurate as this only detects hip instability at the time of the examination. This means that some babies might appear to be normal at the tests but develop problems later or that DDH has not been picked up at the initial examination. As routine hip examinations finish after the 6-8 week check, family members are best placed to identify a problem. Early diagnosis gives the best chance for effective treatment as the condition becomes more difficult to treat as child gets older and there is a risk of developing arthritis of the hip at a young age.

    Where can I get more information about DDH?

    The STEPS charity has additional information and useful leaflets and videos about DDH. https://www.stepsworldwide.org/conditions/hip-dysplasia-ddh/and have produced a useful guide which explains why a baby’s hips are checked at birth, what the tests are and what happens if a problem is found. It also tells you how to keep your child’s hips healthy – https://www.stepsworldwide.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Baby-Hip-Health-website.pdf

    Categories: Newborn & Postnatal, Ultrasound Scan - Abdominal Tags: Baby Hip Scan, DDH, hip scan, newborn hip scan, newborn hip screening, Pavlik
    • Description

    Product Description

    Newborn Hip Scan for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

    A newborn hip scan using ultrasound to screen for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) ideally around 6 weeks but can be done between 2-12 weeks.

    What is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) ?

    DDH is a condition where the ball and socket hip joint fails to develop normally. It can occur before birth or in the first months of life. If the ball (femoral head) is not held correctly in place, the socket (acetabulum) may be more shallow than usual. Sometimes this makes the joint less stable and the ball may slide in and out of the socket. This is called a “dislocatable” or “subluxatable” hip. If the ball loses contact with the socket and stays outside the joint it is called a “dislocated hip”. The severity of the condition varies and it is the commonest paediatric orthopaedic condition affecting the hip.

    Is there variation in normal hip development?

    About 20 in every 1,000 children are born with a hip which is not stable at birth. This means that the hip may displace slightly or completely from its socket. Although many will have immature hips that will get better without treatment, in about 2 in 1000 the problem is worse or persists causing varying levels of significant hip dysplasia requiring treatment.

    What if DDH is missed or untreated?

    Missed or untreated DDH may lead to pain in the hip (usually during teenage years) and the development of osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) in adult life. Severely damaged hips may need replacement as a young adult so it is therefore very important to detect the condition as early as possible and treat it effectively.

    Which babies are most likely to get DDH?

    It is more commonly found in the left hip than the right but both can be affected. It is seen more frequently in girls and first born babies and those who have a first degree affected relative (mum, dad, brother or sister) and those with additional risk factors.

    What are the additional risk factors for DDH?

    1. Breech after 36 weeks (regardless of whether breech or head first at delivery)
    2. Oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid) after 36 weeks
    3. Talipes (club foot)
    4. Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets etc)
    5. Premature birth

    How do you test a baby’s hips for DDH?

    All children in the UK have their hips checked at birth, at six weeks, eight months and at two years.  All babies’ hips are checked at birth and at 6-8 weeks as part of a national screening programme called the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE). The baby’s hips are gently manipulated to see if they are correctly in joint by tests known as the Ortolani and Barlow Tests. If the examination is abnormal then they will have a DDH Hip Ultrasound Scan. Even if the physical examination is normal NHS guidelines say that any baby’s with additional risk factors should have an ultrasound examination within 6 weeks any way as ultrasound is the gold standard test for detecting hip problems in babies under 6 months

    Will the routines tests always pick up babies with DDH?

    No. Unfortunately In more than half of cases there are no identified risk factors to trigger an ultrasound scan and the examination misses some. In many European countries ALL babies are therefore offered an ultrasound as it is more accurate than just examining their hips or just scanning when risk factors are present..

    How would I know if my baby had DDH that was missed?

    The physical examination is not 100% accurate as this only detects hip instability at the time of the examination. This means that some babies might appear to be normal at the tests but develop problems later or that DDH has not been picked up at the initial examination. As routine hip examinations finish after the 6-8 week check, family members are best placed to identify a problem. Early diagnosis gives the best chance for effective treatment as the condition becomes more difficult to treat as child gets older and there is a risk of developing arthritis of the hip at a young age.

    There are a number of signs of possible DDH and as the child is unlikely to feel pain even if displaying these signs, parents should watch for signs of DDH such as:
    •    Deep unequal creases in the buttocks or thighs
    •    When changing a nappy one leg does not seem to move outwards as fully as the other or both legs seem restricted
    •    The child drags a leg when crawling
    •    One leg looks longer than the other
    •    A limp (if one leg is affected) or a ‘waddle’ if both hips are affected

    If you have any concerns you should contact your GP or Health Visitor.

    Treatment for DDH

    From birth to six months, babies with developmental dysplasia of the hip are usually fitted with a special fabric harness, the most common types being the Pavlik harness or the Van Rosen Splint. The type of harness will vary, depending the treating hospital.  The harness keeps the baby’s hips and knees flexed upwards and outwards which encourages the hips to develop more normally. Studies have shown that the best time for this treatment is between the ages of 6 to 12 weeks. The harness needs to be worn for several weeks and in most cases this will correct the condition.

    Some babies with an unstable hip in the first few weeks may stabilise themselves without treatment and may just require a follow up scan. Although we have outlined some possible problems, it is important to remember that the great majority of children with an unstable hip at birth grow and develop normally and do not develop early arthritis.

    Where can I get more information about DDH?

    The STEPS charity has additional information and useful leaflets and videos about DDH. https://www.stepsworldwide.org/conditions/hip-dysplasia-ddh/and have produced a useful guide which explains why a baby’s hips are checked at birth, what the tests are and what happens if a problem is found. It also tells you how to keep your child’s hips healthy – https://www.stepsworldwide.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Baby-Hip-Health-website.pdf

    What can I do to help my babies hips to develop normally?

    Things that could hinder normal hip development are; tight swaddling or spending long periods of time in car seats. So anything that pulls the hips straight or restricts their natural movement should be avoided.

    You may also like…

    • Baby Massage

      £160.00
      Add to basket Show Details
    • Newborn Screening (Invitae)

      £395.00
      Add to basket Show Details
    • Newborn Screening Pulse Oximetry (Cardiac Screen)

      £100.00
      Read more Show Details

    Related products

    • BioArray Genetic Diagnostics

      BioArray Genetic Carrier Screening Test

      £475.00 – £900.00
      Select options
    • BioArray Genetic Diagnostics

      BioArrray Pregnancy Loss Miscarriage Genetic Test

      £550.00
      Add to basket Show Details
    • Natera ANORA Pregnancy Loss Miscarriage Genetic Test

      £550.00
      Read more Show Details
    • Invitae Pregnancy Loss Genetic Test (Array CGH)

      £450.00
      Read more Show Details
    © Copyright - Innermost Healthcare; All Rights Reserved
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    Anaemia Profile Blood Test IHC Apple Logo 1015x980 BabyEssentials Pregnancy Care Package

    We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

    You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

    Innermost Healthcare
    Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

    Scroll to top