Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip, occurring when the ball and socket of the hip do not fit together in their 'normal' position. Hip dysplasia, also commonly referred to as ‘clicky hips’, is also known as development dysplasia of the hip (DDH). It is a very common hip abnormality worldwide, and 8 to 10 Australian children per day are diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia affects more girls than boys.
The hip joint is made up of a ball and socket; the head of the thigh bone (femur) is the ball and the socket (acetabulum) is part of the pelvis. When the ligaments around this ball and socket joint are loose, it can cause the hip joint to become misaligned. The hip joint is considered to be ‘dislocated’ or ‘subluxated’ when the ball and socket do not fit together in their 'normal' position. The hip can also be ‘dysplastic’ which means the shape is not normal.