Treatment: Age 0-6 Months

If DDH is diagnosed in the first 6 months it can generally be treated without an operation. The baby is placed in a harness which holds the hip in the socket until it becomes stable. Babies do not find the harness uncomfortable and the treatment is safe. The harness must be worn full time for about 6 weeks and then part time usually for about 3 weeks. Progress is monitored every 2 weeks by clinical examination and ultrasound scan. This form of treatment is successful in 95% of cases and very few children require any further treatment.