Hip Dysplasia is a condition that can have lifelong consequences for any families affected.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip Dysplasia, or Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip ("DDH"), is a medical condition where a baby’s hip joint does not develop properly.
In a healthy hip, the ball at the top of the thigh bone fits securely into the hip socket. With hip dysplasia, the socket may be too shallow or the ball may be loose, which can lead to partial or complete dislocation of the joint.
Hip Dysplasia can vary in severity, from mild instability to a fully dislocated hip. While it can affect one or both hips, it is more common in the left hip and in girls.
Early detection is crucial, as untreated Hip Dysplasia can lead to mobility issues, pain and arthritis later in life. In most cases, the condition can be successfully treated if diagnosed promptly, often with the use of a harness or, in more serious cases, surgery.
Report: Hundreds of Unnecessary Hip Surgeries on Young Children in Dublin Hospitals
What are the Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Infants?
Recognising the signs of Hip Dysplasia in infants is important for early intervention and effective treatment. All babies should be screened for Hip Dysplasia during their newborn health check and referred for treatment if the signs are present. While some symptoms may not be immediately noticeable, parents and caregivers should watch out for the following indicators:
Uneven leg lengths or one leg appearing shorter than the other
Asymmetrical skin folds on the thighs or buttocks
Limited movement or difficulty spreading the baby’s legs apart
A clicking or popping sound when moving the hips
One hip or leg may appear less flexible than the other
Delayed crawling or walking in more advanced cases
If you notice any of these signs, consult a medical professional for a thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic tests. Early detection is key to effective treatment and can help prevent long-term complications.
What are the Consequences of Undiagnosed Hip Dysplasia?
If Hip Dysplasia is not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to long-term complications. As a child grows, an unstable or misaligned hip joint can cause pain, difficulty walking or a noticeable limp. In more severe cases, it may result in a shorter leg on one side or reduced mobility in the affected joint.
Left untreated into adolescence or adulthood, undiagnosed Hip Dysplasia significantly increases the risk of early-onset osteoarthritis and chronic joint problems. Many individuals may require complex surgery, such as hip reconstruction or even full hip replacement, much earlier than expected.
From a legal perspective, a delayed or missed diagnosis could indicate a failure in clinical care — especially if clear signs were present but not acted upon. Where medical negligence is suspected, families may have grounds to pursue a claim for the pain, loss of function and future medical costs associated with the delay.
Report: Hundreds of Unnecessary Hip Surgeries on Young Children in Dublin Hospitals
Hip Dysplasia Medical Negligence
There can be a range of causes of Hip Dysplasia, with Medical Negligence being one of them. At Lavelle Partners, we understand that Hip Dysplasia can have significant consequences for both the child and their parents. Families may struggle to cover the costs of everyday living and those associated with additional medical care.
If the condition was directly due to the negligence of a medical professional, we can assist you in determining if you can bring a claim against the negligent party for any damages incurred.
How We Can Help
At Lavelle Partners, we understand how difficult it is to deal with Hip Dysplasia, and the devastating impact that negligent care can have on your life, from physical pain and limited mobility to emotional distress and financial strain.
Our experienced Medical Negligence Team can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of making a claim, ensuring your voice is heard and that you receive the support and compensation you deserve. We work closely with leading medical experts including orthopaedic and spinal surgeons to gather strong evidence to build a case.
Contact our Medical Negligence Team today for a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
Award-Winning Recognition
Our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team, headed by Avril Scally, understand the implications of Hip Dysplasia for the person affected and their family. We have worked with many clients who have Hip complications, successfully bringing claims on their behalf where it was due to negligence by another party.
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