A specialized clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in newborns and infants — with precise, Graf-method hip ultrasound and direct assessment by a specialist consultant.
Select any risk factors that apply to your baby to get a suggested next step. This tool is guidance only and does not replace a doctor's assessment.
No major risk factors selected — a routine hip ultrasound around 6 weeks of age is still recommended for every baby.
Book NowPlain-language explanations to help you understand your child's condition — every treatment plan is discussed and tailored during your visit.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), also known as hip dislocation at birth, occurs when a baby's hip joint hasn't formed properly, so the ball and socket don't fit together as they should. It is more common in firstborns, breech babies, and girls, and often runs in families. Early detection through physical exams and ultrasound is key, since most cases treated early respond very well to simple, non-surgical treatment.
Hip ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free way to look at a baby's hip joint in detail, usually recommended between 4–6 weeks of age for babies with risk factors. If DDH is confirmed, treatment often starts with a Pavlik harness — a soft, adjustable brace that holds the baby's hips gently flexed and bent, allowing the joint to develop normally while the baby can still move their legs comfortably.
Think of it like a ladder: treatment always starts with the simplest, gentlest option, and only moves to the next step if it's truly needed. Most children diagnosed early never need more than the first step below.
Clearing up the most common misunderstandings parents have about DDH.
It's related to how the baby was delivered (natural birth vs. C-section).
DDH has no relation to the delivery method — it's linked to factors during pregnancy such as the baby's position in the womb, family history, and natural joint laxity.
It happens because of something the parents did wrong.
DDH is not the result of any mistake or fault by the parents — it's a natural developmental variation that can occur in any pregnancy, even with excellent care.
If the baby's legs move normally, the hips must be fine.
DDH usually shows no visible signs — a hip can look and move completely normally while still being unstable. That's exactly why screening, not appearance, is what matters.
Only girls can have hip dysplasia.
Girls are affected more often (4–6× more), but boys can have DDH too — female sex is a risk factor, not an exclusive rule.
DDH always requires surgery to treat.
Most cases diagnosed early are treated successfully with a simple Pavlik harness — no surgery needed.
With no family history, there's no need to worry about DDH.
Most babies diagnosed with DDH have no known risk factors at all — which is exactly why a routine ultrasound at 6 weeks is recommended for every baby.
You can stop treatment early once the hip looks better on a scan.
Treatment must run its full prescribed course and be confirmed by follow-up imaging — stopping early because things "look better" risks the hip slipping back out of place.
A harness or cast will permanently weaken the baby's legs.
The device simply holds the joint in a healthy position — it doesn't harm muscle development. Most babies catch up quickly on strength and motor milestones once treatment ends.
Most cases of hip dysplasia can be prevented or caught early with simple awareness. Watch for warning signs and follow hip-healthy swaddling.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Ananzh is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon trained in the United Kingdom, having worked at major London and UK hospitals specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgery. Care is delivered personally by a specialist consultant — not a technician — from the clinical exam through image interpretation.
State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment producing clear, high-resolution images, with every scan classified using the internationally recognized Graf method for an objective, reproducible grading of your baby's hip development.
While hip dysplasia is our focus, the clinic also covers the wider range of pediatric orthopedic conditions.
Assessment and correction of clubfoot using gentle serial casting and bracing, with long-term follow-up.
Assessment of flexible and rigid flat feet to determine which cases simply need observation versus orthotics or further care.
Diagnosis and management of growth plate (physis) fractures, aimed at protecting normal bone growth and alignment.
Full-spectrum bone and joint care for children — from routine evaluations to complex deformity and fracture management.
Hip ultrasound is most useful between about 4–6 weeks and up to 4–6 months of age, especially for babies with risk factors such as breech position, family history, or a finding on physical exam. Book an early evaluation if you're unsure.
Most babies adapt well within the first few days. The harness is soft and adjustable, and babies can still move their legs, feed, and sleep normally while wearing it.
Most cases caught early are treated successfully without major surgery, using casting, bracing, or harnesses. Surgery is reserved for specific cases that don't respond to conservative treatment, and is discussed individually with each family.
Follow-up frequency depends on the condition, the child's age, and response to treatment — this is tailored during your visit and explained clearly so you know what to expect.
Typically around 6–12 weeks of full-time wear, sometimes followed by a period of part-time wear, depending on how quickly the hip responds. Progress is checked regularly by ultrasound or exam, and the exact duration is adjusted for each baby — it is never stopped early just because things look better.
Yes. The harness is soft fabric with adjustable straps, and you'll be shown exactly how to manage diaper changes and sponge-bathing without removing it. Full removal is only done when your doctor advises it — not for everyday routines.
There may be a brief, temporary delay in reaching some motor milestones while the hips are positioned for treatment, but this is not harmful. The large majority of babies catch up quickly to their peers once the harness comes off.
If the harness alone isn't enough — which happens in a minority of cases — the next step is usually a period in a spica cast, and less commonly a closed or open reduction procedure. This is decided based on regular check-ups, not guessed in advance, and is explained clearly at each stage.
Most hips that respond well to treatment remain stable long-term. A small number of children can develop mild residual dysplasia later in childhood even after early success, which is why periodic follow-up exams continue through the growing years, not just during active treatment.
When DDH is caught and treated early, the large majority of children go on to walk, run, and play with no functional limitations. Outcomes are less predictable the later a case is diagnosed, which is exactly why early screening matters so much.
It can run in families, and a sibling's risk is higher than the general population's, but it's far from guaranteed. Mention the family history at your next child's birth so a hip exam — and ultrasound if needed — is arranged early as a precaution.
It's a painless bedside scan, similar to a pregnancy ultrasound, using a probe and gel over the hip while your baby lies still or is gently held — no needles, sedation, or radiation involved. It typically takes about 10–15 minutes, and most babies stay calm or sleep through it.
Al-Takhassusy (Specialized) Hospital — Building B, Clinic Wing, 4th Floor, Amman, Jordan
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