Actor Varun Dhawan recently shared that his daughter, Lara, was diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), bringing attention to a condition that affects infants’ hip joint development.
He spoke about this during an appearance on a YouTube podcast Be A Man Yaar, where he opened up about his experience as a parent navigating a medical diagnosis.
Speaking about his daughter’s condition, Varun Dhawan explained, “My daughter was diagnosed with DDH, a condition where the hip slips out of the socket. It can lead to one leg becoming shorter than the other, resulting in an uneven limp and difficulty in walking or running. If not treated, it may even cause early arthritis or spinal issues.”
He further shared that his daughter did not require surgery, as doctors were able to correct the hip position through a procedure. However, she had to be placed in a spica cast for stabilization.
“She didn’t undergo surgery. With one procedure, her hip was put back in place, but she had to remain in a spica cast for about two and a half months. It was extremely challenging, she was given anesthesia, and when she woke up, she was already in the cast. Now that the cast is off, I feel like I could write a book about the experience,” he said.
The actor also emphasized the importance of early monitoring, urging parents to pay close attention to their children’s developmental milestones and seek timely medical care when needed.
According to International Hip Dysplasia Institute, almost 1 in 100 newborns need treatment for DDH and approximately 1 in 500 has a completely dislocated hip.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly in infants and young children. 1
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where:
The head of the femur (thigh bone) forms the “ball”
The acetabulum (hip socket) forms the “socket”
In DDH:
The socket may be too shallow
The ball may slip out partially or completely
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, DDH can range from mild instability to complete dislocation of the hip joint.
Explaining the diagnosis and early management of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, MD, a US board-certified neonatologist, noted that the "condition was previously termed congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), but is now more accurately described as developmental, as it arises during fetal growth rather than being purely congenital."
He highlighted that," DDH is more commonly seen in female infants and those born in breech presentation. As part of routine neonatal care, all newborns undergo physical examination of the hips, including screening maneuvers such as the Barlow and Ortolani tests to detect a “hip click,” which may indicate instability."
"If the test is positive, an ultrasound of the hips is typically performed around six weeks of age. In female infants delivered breech, ultrasound screening is recommended even in the absence of clinical signs."
He also noted that these maneuvers are most effective in the early neonatal period and are not routinely performed in older infants, as increasing muscle tone and reduced joint flexibility make assessment difficult.
Early diagnosis is critical, as untreated dislocation can lead to fibrosis, permanent joint changes, limping and long-term limb dysfunction.
Dr. Raizada explained, "when identified promptly, DDH is highly manageable using non-surgical methods such as harnessing or casting (e.g., Pavlik harness or spica cast), stressing the importance of timely screening and intervention."
In many cases, DDH may not show obvious symptoms initially. However, some signs include:
Uneven leg lengths
Limited movement in one leg
Asymmetrical skin folds in the thigh
Clicking or popping sounds in the hip
Risk factors include:
Family history of DDH
Breech birth
Female infants (higher incidence)
First-born children
Treatment depends on the child’s age and severity of the condition.
Pavlik harness: Keeps the hip in proper position to allow normal development
Used commonly in infants under 6 months
Closed or open reduction procedures
Casting or bracing after correction
Early intervention generally leads to excellent outcomes, while delayed cases may require more complex treatment.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip is a treatable condition when identified early. Increased awareness among parents and caregivers, along with routine pediatric screening, plays a key role in ensuring positive outcomes.
Reference
1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Developmental Dislocation (Dysplasia) of the Hip (DDH).” OrthoInfo. Accessed March 28, 2026. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/developmental-dislocation-dysplasia-of-the-hip-ddh/.
