Congenital hip dysplasia (DDH) negligence claims

Congenital hip dysplasia is unfortunately very common. Out of every 6 babies born, approximately one will have some form of hip dysplasia. The NHS states that approximately 1-2 of every 1000 babies suffer from the condition to the extent that treatment is required. 

Potential symptoms of congenital hip dysplasia are as follows:

• unequal length of legs
• dragging leg begins when a baby crawls
• a limp
• a baby or child unable to move one leg far out to the side during a nappy change
• late walking
• finding it difficult to climb and descend stairs
• restricted hip movement

Those most at risk of congenital hip dysplasia are females and those who are the first-born child in a family.

Common causes of hip dysplasia are as follows:

• being born in a breech position
• not having enough room in the womb which leads to unnecessary pressure is put on the hips
• genetics in families where hip problems are common

Sadly, there is no way to prevent DDH. Therefore, the crucial point about DDH is that it is diagnosed early so that treatment can be put in place to correct the issue. Ideally, it should be detected within the first six months of a baby's life to ensure it is corrected.

Due to the impact congenital hip dysplasia can have on those with the condition, medical professionals are supposed to do several things to spot and diagnose it. For example, when a baby is born, within 72 hours their hips must be examined. If the examination produces a ‘clunk' sound, the hip joint and socket are likely detached.

Babies should be examined again 6 to 8 weeks later. If there is joint instability, the baby should undergo an ultrasound. Where there are risk factors for congenital hip dysplasia a scan will be carried out regardless of any signs at the newborn examination. And where one twin has risk factors both will have an ultrasound between 4-6 weeks old. 

If congenital hip dysplasia is diagnosed, a Pavlik harness can be fitted before the  baby is six months. This is a fabric splint worn for a few weeks to secure the hips in the correct position. It means that the hip of the child may go on to develop normally.  

Another form of treatment is reduction surgery. Closed reduction surgery means large cuts are not necessary and open reduction surgery, means a cut is made to put the femoral head in the right place. 

A common error in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital hip dysplasia is diagnosing it too late. Another common error is a medical professional giving a child with the condition inadequate treatment. 

If a medical practitioner fails to spot congenital hip dysplasia in a child, they may have been negligent. This is because they may not have followed the correct procedures to diagnose and resolve it. Medical negligence may also occur if the diagnosis for DDH is made late as this will cause the condition to worsen before it was spotted. If a medical practitioner diagnosis DDH but provides the wrong treatment, this could also be classed as medical negligence.

You could make a congenital hip dysplasia compensation claim if you believe that the congenital hip dysplasia was a result of medical negligence. For example, where the condition was not diagnosed early enough to ensure the right treatment was given.

To prove hip dysplasia negligence, you need to show that the care received was substandard. And as a result, the patient has had a worse outcome than if the treatment had not been substandard.

Hip Dysplasia negligence can be proved by the  Bolam test. This enables a decision to be made if a breach of duty occured. The test is carried out by several medical professionals in the field. They decide whether they would have carried out the action that has happened in the circumstances of the person claiming medical negligence. If they would have done differently it is possible that hip dysplasia negligence has occurred.

As part of proving medical negligence for hip dysplasia, your child may be asked for a medical examination. This shows that the effects on your child was the result of medical negligence and how much is simply a result of having the condition. 

The amount of compensation you might get when you claim hip dysplasia, like any other medical compensation claim varies depending on, for example:

• how bad your injuries are 
• what effect the medical negligence has had on the rest of your life
• any expenses you may have incurred, such as medical ones
• earnings you have lost  due to the medical negligence
• the future losses you may suffer

However, you may be interested to note that the highest ever known hip dysplasia claim was awarded to a 17-year-old who received £1.2 million in medical negligence compensation. 

Making a compensation claim for hip dysplasia is made easier with National Accident Helpline as you may be able to make your claim on a no win no fee basis   This eliminates any risk in making your medical negligence claim in case on the off chance it is unsuccessful.

Starting your hip dysplasia negligence compensation claim with National Accident Helpline is very easy. You can either choose to call us at or start your compensation claim here. Once you start the process you are on the road to getting the compensation for medical negligence which has been long deserved. 

After you explain to us what happened with your congenital hip dysplasia, if we think one of our specialist solicitors will be able to help you, one of our medical negligence solicitors will move your claim forward. And while you wait, or even before you begin, you can use your compensation calculator. 

All you need to do is give us a call today at or request a call back here. If It's easier for you, you can simply start your claim online.