HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Risk Factors for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Several factors increase a child's risk for having Reference developmental dysplasia of the hip Opens New Window (DDH), including:
- A Reference family history Opens New Window of DDH.
- Being the firstborn child or a baby who had low amounts of Reference amniotic fluid Opens New Window in the womb.
- Being female. DDH affects girls more than boys.
- Being born buttocks first (Reference breech position Opens New Window).
- Having knee and foot deformities.
- Being white. DDH is rarely seen in black children.
DDH may be related to higher-than-expected amounts of the Reference hormones Opens New Window in the mother's bloodstream that loosen ligaments during pregnancy. Female babies may be more sensitive to these hormones, which may be one reason why DDH affects girls more than boys.
Credits
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
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