Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Observation vs. Bracing

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common childhood hip condition. When caught early, bracing is the most frequently used treatment; however, the brace can disrupt important mother-baby bonding time in the newborn period and present challenges to daily living. In babies with mild DDH, some studies have suggested that their hips may improve naturally as they grow and develop. This study will look at whether careful monitoring can be just as good as bracing for babies diagnosed with mild DDH less than 3 months of age, potentially avoiding unnecessary treatment. This will be the first study to look at this question with babies being treated at different hospitals in seven different countries, so the results will make an impact on children and families worldwide.