Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a congenital condition where the hip is dislocated or unstable.

Causes 
Causes are not clear but risk factors include:

• Effect of the mother’s hormones especially relaxin
• First child
• Breech delivery
• Heredity

Symptoms

• Legs of different sizes
• Abnormal gait
• Uneven skin folds on the affected thigh
• Hip joint that feels loose

Treatment

• Pavlik harness for babies younger than 6 months
• Spica cast for older babies
• Surgery to manipulate the hip bone in case of older babies who do not benefit from casting

Prevention
Prevention is not possible but early detection can help in the treatment.