Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Diagnosing DDH can be very challenging. The prevention of late detection is the goal for all practitioners. Multiple studies show that use of current diagnostic techniques can minimize the number of late diagnoses but not eliminate them. The key to early diagnosis remains repeated, careful physical examination of infants during the first year of life. Practitioners should become as skilled and experienced as possible in performing the examination, and they should maintain their skill throughout their careers. Whether ultrasonography or radiography should be used as supplemental studies for at-risk infants with normal physical examination remains controversial. © 2008 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.