Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) occurs when the hip joint fails to develop correctly. It is estimated one in six newborns will have an element of hip instability and two to three in every 1,000 infants will require treatment.
For many, a diagnosis comes out of the blue, and until now there has been very little support or information for those navigating the murky waters of this life-changing condition.
DDH UK, formally known as Spica Warrior, was founded by Natalie Trice in 2015 and is now supporting people around the world. Natalie’s sister and two cousins were born with DDH and her second son, Lucas, was diagnosed at four months. Seven years later, his treatment still isn’t done despite five operations and months spent in casts, harnesses and wheelchairs.
Natalie said: “I was amazed at the lack of support available when Lucas was diagnosed. DDH UK is growing quickly and this is testament to the fact the parents, and patients, want to understand as much as they can but also need support at what can be a lonely time.”
She added, “It is vital that children are diagnosed as early as possible so that treatment can begin, and a life plagued with pain, disability and hip replacements can be avoided. We now have a Medical Advisor on board, Gemma Almond the Paralympic swimmer is our. We are looking forward to working with Orthopaedic Research UK in 2017 and hope it takes us one step further to raising awareness and offering support.”
Natalie is also the author of Cast Life – A Parent’s Guide to DDH and, as a member of the International Advisory Board for the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, she is often seen in the media talking about the subject with passion and professionalism.
For more information go to www.ddh-uk.org
