Newborn hip screening

Read our guide below which explains about developmental dysplasia of the hip and and how we screen for it.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

All babies should have a neonatal and infant physical examination (NIPE) within 72 hours of birth. This is part of a national screening programme.

We clinically assess your baby’s hips as part of this examination. This is to look for a condition known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We also look at any potential risk factors for DDH in this examination.

What is developmental dysplasia of the hip?

In DDH, the socket of the hip joint is too shallow and the rounded head of the femur isn’t held tightly within the socket.

In severe cases, the head of the femur can come out of the socket and dislocate.

What are the risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?

These include:

• family history, for example, parents or siblings of DDH
• if your baby’s in a breech position in the last month of pregnancy
• if your baby’s born in a breech position
• having twins or triplets and one of the babies has a risk factor for DDH. We’ll refer each of the other babies for an ultrasound.

What happens in the examination?

A trained practitioner, a midwife or paediatrician will gently move your baby’s hips to see if they feel stable. This won’t hurt the baby. They’ll also ask about any of the risk factors above.

What happens if there’s an abnormality?

We’ll refer your baby to an orthopaedic surgeon for further assessment if the hips feel unstable.

If the hips are stable but we identify risk factors, we’ll send your baby for an ultrasound scan which should happen within 6 weeks of age.

If the hips are abnormal on the ultrasound scan, we’ll refer your baby to the orthopaedic team.

How do you treat developmental dysplasia of the hip?

We treat babies diagnosed with DDH early in life with a fabric splint called a Pavlik harness. This holds the hips in a stable position and allows them to grow into the correct position. Most babies have successful treatment with the harness.

If the harness isn’t successful or we diagnose DDH after 6 months of age, your baby may need surgery.

What can I do to help my baby?

If we recommend an ultrasound scan, you must attend the apppointment. Early diagnosis gives the best results.

Call 01296 316908 as soon as possible if you can’t make the appointment. We’ll re-schedule but please note there may be a delay as we book up ultrasound slots several weeks in advance.

COVID-19

We understand that in the current situation you may be anxious about coming to hospital. Please feel reassured that the hospital has taken steps to reduce the chances of catching the virus and you should bring your baby for their appointment to avoid a delayed diagnosis.

How can I help reduce healthcare associated infections?

Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.

You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.

More help or advice

Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net