Surgical management for developmental dysplasia of the hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common childhood condition, typically managed successfully with splintage alone in the majority of cases. However, if patients present late or fail non-operative management, then a number of surgical options are available. This review explores these possibilities through a stepwise approach, covering closed reduction ± adductor tenotomy, medial open reduction, anterior open reduction and the use of femoral and acetabular osteotomy as adjuncts to open surgery. We highlight the indications for each intervention with key surgical anatomy to the approaches outlined, as well as descriptive and visual explanations of how these surgeries are performed. We also discuss the perioperative care of patients undergoing surgical management for DDH and outline potential complications.