What are clicky hips?

Clicky hips is a term used to describe a variety of hip problems. These problems include congenital dislocation of the hips (CDH) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Hip problems can happen for several reasons. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, and various problems can affect your baby's hip as it develops. Sometimes the ball does not form properly in the socket and is displaced from it (dysplasia).
Sometimes, although the ball is in the socket, it can slip in and out of place. Or the socket is so shallow that the hip can dislocate very easily .

Which babies are more likely to have hip problems?

Girls are more likely to have hip problems than boys. This is also true for breech babies and babies who had very little room for kicking around in the uterus (womb). It is also more likely for babies born in a family where other people have had hip problems 
About one or two in every 1,000 babies has a hip problem that requires treatment.
In many cases, the causes of hip problems are not known. But if you swaddle your baby too tightly, with her legs pressed together and straight down, she may be more likely to develop hip problems. So allow enough room for your baby to move her hips and knees freely, so she can bend her hips up and outwards.
If your baby has hip problems it does not necessarily mean that she has CDH or DDH. However, it may mean that she needs further investigation or follow up.

What will I notice if my baby has hip problems?
A doctor or midwife will check for the condition when examining your baby straight after she's born. She will gently manipulate your baby’s legs to check the stability of her hip joints. These movements include opening her legs wide and then bending and unbending them. This shouldn't hurt your baby, although it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable
A clunk may indicate that both thigh bones are moving in or out of their sockets in the pelvis. This is called clinical hip instability. Babies born with this condition do not feel any pain or discomfort and often grow out of the problem without treatment.
If the doctor or midwife detects any instability, you'll be offered further checks, such as an ultrasound scan, for your baby. This will be followed by an appointment with a specialist to check your baby's hips again.


 Websites for advice & support: http://www.hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/?gclid=CMi5tN616bECFUdvfAodmzgAWg http://www.steps-charity.org.uk/