Baby Hip Ultrasound Malta
Specialist DDH screening for newborns and infants at LifeScan Naxxar.
Safe, painless, and radiation-free ultrasound screening for developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) — ideally performed between 4 to 6 weeks of age.
Book your baby's scan below.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), historically known as congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), is a condition where a baby's hip joint does not develop normally. It can affect one or both hips, ranging from shallow sockets to full joint dislocation.
At LifeScan Clinic Malta, we provide high-resolution baby hip ultrasound scans to ensure early, accurate diagnosis. Early detection is crucial: when identified in the first few weeks of life, most cases can be treated successfully with non-surgical interventions, allowing the baby to develop normal mobility.
Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH)
What is DDH?
DDH is a problem with the way the baby's hip joint forms. The socket of the hip is too shallow, meaning the ball of the thigh bone is not held firmly in place and can easily slide out of position.
Early diagnosis prevents long-term joint wear, limping, and premature hip arthritis.
The Golden Window
Best Performed at 4–6 Weeks
Hip screening is most effective between 4 and 6 weeks of age, while the joints are still soft and developing.
If there are clear physical signs or immediate concerns, scans can be performed from birth, and up to a maximum age of 6 months.
Book Your Baby's Hip Scan
Select a scan below to secure your appointment online. All baby scans are performed by a consultant paediatric radiologist.
Why Choose LifeScan for Baby Hip Scans?
Pioneering neonatal care, experienced radiologists, and immediate results.
Specialist Paediatric Radiologist
Every hip ultrasound is performed and interpreted by consultant radiologists who specialize in paediatric imaging, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy.
Immediate Verbal Results
We explain findings to you in real-time during the appointment, and a detailed formal report is emailed to you on the same day.
Safe & Painless Reassurance
Ultrasound is a completely radiation-free, non-invasive imaging method that is gentle on your baby, providing clear clinical reassurance.
Who Should Have a Hip Scan?
While any baby can have DDH, screening is strongly advised if your baby has one or more of these common risk factors:
- First-born status: Statistically more common in first-born infants due to tight space in the womb.
- Female infants: Girls are up to 4-5 times more likely to experience hip instability.
- Breech presentation: Being positioned feet- or bottom-down near birth places extra stress on developing hips.
- Family history: Having a parent or sibling who had DDH or childhood hip problems.
Manual hip clicking tests are part of routine baby checks, but mild or shallow sockets can sometimes be missed without ultrasound.
DDH Treatment & Next Steps
If hip dysplasia or joint instability is detected on the scan, your baby will be referred to a consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon.
For infants diagnosed under 6 months old, treatment typically involves wearing a safe, comfortable fabric splint called a Pavlik harness for 6 to 12 weeks.
This holds the hips in a bent, outward position to help the joint deepen and harden correctly. Most babies need no further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about baby hip screening and DDH.
Why is a baby hip ultrasound recommended?
A baby hip ultrasound is recommended to screen for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). Early physical exams can sometimes miss mild or moderate hip instability. An ultrasound scan is the gold standard for checking if the ball-and-socket joint of the hip is developing normally without exposing your baby to radiation.
When is the best time to check my baby's hips?
The ideal window is between 4 and 6 weeks of age, when the hip structures are soft and developing rapidly, and early treatment is most effective. However, the scan can be performed up to 6 months of age. After 6 months, the hip bones begin to ossify (harden), and X-rays are typically required instead of ultrasound.
What are the main risk factors for hip dysplasia (DDH)?
Key risk factors include being a first-born child, being female, a history of breech presentation (legs-down) near birth, and a family history of DDH or early childhood hip problems. If your baby has any of these risk factors, a screening scan is highly recommended.
Who performs and reports the baby hip ultrasound scan?
At LifeScan Naxxar, all paediatric and newborn scans are performed and reported in real-time by a consultant radiologist with specialized expertise in paediatric imaging. You will receive immediate verbal feedback and a same-day written report.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book a hip scan?
No, you do not need a referral. Parents can book a baby hip ultrasound scan directly online using our booking tool. If you do have a referral from a paediatrician, midwife, or family doctor, we will ensure they receive a copy of the diagnostic report.