Your Body: Dealing with Hip Dysplasia

iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor

When a doctor told Good Morning America co-anchor Lara Spencer that she needed a hip replacement, she was shocked. It was upsetting for the physically active Spencer to learn she had developmental dysplasia of the hip, or DDH, which led to painful arthritis.

Her doctors told her she probably had DDH since birth. With about 10 percent of all hip replacements done in the U.S. attributed to DDH, every baby is now screened for developmental dysplasia. If it’s detected, early intervention helps to avoid surgery later in life.

Some babies are at higher risk for the condition, including those with a family history of DDH, or babies who are born breech. Overall, the chance is low, with about one to two babies per 1,000 being born with DDH in the U.S.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s hips, talk to your pediatrician.

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