Detection of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in infants will now be easier, thanks to a unique and innovative education module launched at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

The multimedia education module, in DVD format, combines specialised 3D animation, audio and written information to guide maternal and child health nurses, doctors and other clinicians through the condition and screening process for DDH, delivering clarity that has not been provided before. 

DDH refers to a condition whereby an infant’s hip fails to develop appropriately, resulting in instability or dislocation.  Early detection of this condition is vital as delayed diagnoses increase the likelihood of surgical intervention and poorer outcomes for the child.  Early diagnosis reduces stress for families and leads to less invasive procedures having to be performed on infants and children.

In the community, the clinical screening of infants for DDH is conducted by a number of health professionals, including maternal and child health nurses, paediatricians and general practitioners.  Paediatric orthopaedic surgeons at RCH have identified that there is an unacceptably high incidence of late diagnosed DDH, hence the necessity for such a project.  In 2007, RCH saw 271 children with hip dysplasia, of these 127 required bracing and 48 required surgery.  DDH is the fourth most common reported birth defect in Victoria. 

The Royal Children’s Hospital has produced the DVD with the support of The Office for Children and the Medical Research Foundation for Women and Babies.  The Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, the Hon Maxine Morand MP, officially launched the initiative at the hospital. 

This module will be made available to Maternal and Child Health Services and to all other health professionals across Australia.

To purchase the DVD online, please visit RCH shop online.

Media enquiries: Jill Braker 0403 833 023 or 9345 5138.