You can be born with misaligned hips.
Being born with misaligned hips is a condition that is commonly known as DDH or developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip or DDH, occurs when your hip socket is too shallow or when the hip joint is too loose, which causes the ball of your thighbone to not fit properly like it normally should.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip or DDH, is often present at the time of birth as a result of improper formation, limited space in the mothers womb, or the breech position.
The developmental dysplasia of the hip or misaligned hips at birth, is more common in girls, firstborn children and tends to also run in families.
Most people that have hip dysplasia or misaligned hips are born with it.
Parents of babies born with hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip often notice asymmetrical buttock creases, uneven limb lengths or a clicking/popping sound that can be heard during diaper changes, when your move the baby's hips and legs.
Pediatricians also often screen for misaligned hips or developmental dysplasia of the hip at birth.
And while developmental dysplasia of the hip cause issues long term, like arthritis or limping, early detection of the developmental dysplasia of the hip often allows for successful treatment, with bracing a Pavlik harness.
If the developmental dysplasia of the hip is left untreated, the congenital hip misalignment can result in pain, premature arthritis and even a need for hip replacement in the future.
Hips being misaligned can be congenital but can also be acquired due to trauma to the hip, orthopedic generative disease, fractures, or complications due to orthopedic surgery.
Having legs at different lengths may cause the hips to become misaligned.
There are several genetic and environmental factors that have been linked to the higher risk of developing hip dysplasia.
The major risk factors include, being in breech position during birth, (feet or bottom first in the uterus) in the third trimester.
And even having a family history of hip dysplasia can result in someone developing hip dysplasia and bad hips.