Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket (acetabulum) doesnt develop properly and is too shallow to cover the head of the thigh bone (femoral head) completely. The exact cause or causes of hip dysplasia are not known, but it is widely accepted that hip dysplasia develops around the time of birth because the hip socket is shallower at birth than at any time before or after birth. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of hip dysplasia in babies, including:

• Family history: Hip dysplasia is approximately 12 times more likely when there is a family history. Genetics plays a role but is not a direct cause of hip dysplasia.

• Gender: Girls are 4-5 times more likely to have hip dysplasia than boys.

• Breech position: Babies born in the breech position before birth have a higher risk of hip dysplasia.

• Swaddling: Swaddling babies too tightly with the hips and knees straight can increase the risk of hip dysplasia.

• Limited space in the womb: Babies with fixed foot deformity or stiffness in the neck (torticollis) have a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia, which may partly be due to limited space in the womb from these deformities.

• Culture: Cultures that keep infants’ hips extended on a cradleboard or papoose board have high rates of hip dysplasia in their children.

Doctors will check babies for signs of hip dysplasia shortly after birth and during well-baby visits. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed in early infancy, a soft brace can usually correct the problem. Milder cases of hip dysplasia might not start causing symptoms until a person is a teenager or young adult. In older children and young adults, surgery may be needed to move the bones into the proper positions for smooth joint movement.