Suspected DDH

How to proceed with the investigation and treatment when there is a suspicion of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)?

Why should the investigation continue?

DDH is a condition with significant implications for the proper development of the hip joints, so the investigation should not be neglected if there is a suspicion of this condition in your child. Neglecting the situation can lead to hip damage and disability.

Why didn't the treatment start immediately?

In many cases, the hip may heal without treatment, even if there is an initial suspicious finding. Since treatment also carries risks, it is recommended to treat only cases that truly require intervention. Therefore, newborns with borderline findings will receive a recommendation to repeat the series of tests (evaluation by a pediatric orthopedist and hip ultrasound) at around 4 weeks of age.

How to arrange further treatment outside the hospital?

You should schedule an appointment with a pediatric orthopedist (through health insurance or privately). The orthopedist will also perform an ultrasound examination of the hip joints. When scheduling the appointment, emphasize that it is for the diagnosis and treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).

General Health Services:
- Call the appointment center at 2700* to schedule an ultrasound appointment for the hip joints (this appointment includes an evaluation by a pediatric orthopedist). You can also schedule the appointment through the health insurance website www.clalit.co.il.

- Call the appointment center at 3555* to schedule an ultrasound appointment for the hip joints (this appointment includes an evaluation by a pediatric orthopedist). You can also schedule the appointment through the health insurance website www.maccabi-health.co.il.

- Call the appointment center at 3833* to schedule an ultrasound appointment for the hip joints. When scheduling the appointment, confirm whether the examination will be performed by an orthopedist or if you also need to schedule an appointment with a pediatric orthopedist. You can also schedule the appointment through the health insurance website www.meuhedet.co.il.

- Call the appointment center at 1-700-507-507 to schedule an ultrasound appointment for the hip joints (this appointment includes an evaluation by a pediatric orthopedist). You can also schedule the appointment through the health insurance website www.leumit.co.il.

Self-referral:
You can go to various ultrasound centers for the hip joints. It is essential to ensure that the person performing the examination is qualified to diagnose DDH. If the examination is performed by someone who is not an expert in this area, there may be issues with interpreting the results, which is typically done by a pediatric orthopedist. After the examination, you should consult with a pediatric orthopedist and share the results (many orthopedists perform the examination themselves).

How to proceed with treatment if a Pavlik harness or other traction device has already been applied in the hospital?

In such cases, specific instructions will be given by a pediatric orthopedist regarding the timing of the ultrasound. In most instances, the follow-up will be coordinated at one of the health insurance clinics. In some cases, the family will be asked to come for a follow-up at the pediatric orthopedic clinic of the medical center.

For any further questions, you can contact Dr. Ehud Lebel via email at lebel@szmc.org.il.