Around 2,000 children in the UK are diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip

Around 2,000 children in the UK are diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), every year, with conditions ranging from instability to complete dislocation of the hip.

The charity – STEPS – that supports children and adults with lower limb disorders are concerned that too many cases of hip conditions go undetected.

If it is detected early it can usually be treated with non-invasive treatment. However, according to STEPS – the condition is missed resulting in costly medical treatment, long hospital stays and all too often permanent disability.

Despite the fact that babies are routinely screened for hip problems, STEPS says it has evidence that the process is flawed.

“The current screening policy despite – despite being in place for 40 years – is simply not working,” says the charity’s founder Sue Banton.

“Due to late or missed diagnosis, valuable time is being lost and we are increasingly supporting the victims of a failing system.”

A department for Heath spokesman said that all babies should have a clinical examination for DDH within 72 hours, followed by an ultra-sound and follow-up at six to eight weeks for those with a risk of abnormality.

But according to STEPS, this is where the process is flawed: it has found that many Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are leaving management of the screening programme to GPs, who have no written policy on how to carry these out.

“It is unacceptable that children are still being diagnosed late with conditions such as DDH,” said Professor Adrian Davies, Director of the NHS Newborn & Infant Physical Examination Programme.

He said he is working with STEPS, parents and medical practitioners in order to “stop this unnecessary distress.”

By Deepika Dudakia