Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently revealed that his daughter was diagnosed with a condition that affected her ability to walk and run normally. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition that is often present at birth or develops in early life.
In a recent episode of 'Be A Man, Yaar!' Varun said that the diagnosis was made when his daughter, Lara, was one and a half years old. He also added that she later underwent a medical procedure and is now in recovery.
Varun and his wife, Natasha Dalal, welcomed Lara in 2024.
What is DDH?
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip is a condition where the 'ball and socket' joint of the hip does not properly form in babies or young children. Normally, the ball at the upper end of the thighbone (femur) fits firmly into the socket, which is part of the pelvis.
Since the ball is loose in the socket, chances are high for a dislocation.
Recent research shows that babies who are swaddled tightly with their hips and knees straight are at a high risk of developing DDH after birth.
Who is at risk?
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Also, DDH has a genetic component. Girls are more prone to develop this condition compared to boys. Firstborn children, babies born in breech position, family history of DDH or low levels of amniotic fluid could cause this disease.
What are the symptoms?
In some cases, babies born with a dislocated hip will show no outward signs.
*Different length legs
*Uneven skin folds on the thigh
*Less mobility or flexibility on one side
*Limping or toe-walking
Can it be corrected?
Timely intervention is the key to tackling this condition. When DDH is detected at birth, it can usually be corrected with the use of a harness or brace.
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If hip dislocation is not detected at birth, the condition often remains asymptomatic until the child begins to walk. At this later stage, corrective intervention becomes significantly more complex, and the long-term clinical outcomes are less predictable.
For many children diagnosed with DDH, a body cast or specialised brace is essential to maintain the hip’s position during the critical healing phase. This immobilisation typically lasts two to three months, with periodic cast changes required to accommodate growth. Even after the cast is removed, clinical vigilance is paramount; regular X-rays and follow-up monitoring are mandatory until skeletal maturity is reached.
While speaking about his daughter, Varun Dhawan said that she did not undergo surgery, but a medical procedure was done to put the hip properly. "She had to be in a spica cast. That means she had to be in a cast for 2.5 months. Which is extremely difficult...I want to write a book on it," he said.
