Disclaimer
This website is a resource for parents and does not provide medical advice on your child’s condition. We recommend that you direct all queries related to your child’s surgery, safety and medical well-being to your orthopaedic team.

Here is a preliminary set of links that may be of interest to parents of babies undergoing treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip

International parent and charity groups
Sources of equipment in Ireland/Northern Ireland
Sources of equipment outside Ireland
Links to Irish resources on child health
Links to Irish hospitals offering orthopaedic services for children




International parent and charity groups

www.hip-baby.org - This is a wonderfully comprehensive American site on  DDH. The site features sections on the full range of treatment modalities including Pavlik harness, braces, traction and surgery. Plenty of pictures and a section on dealing with the difficult feelings brought on by a child with hip disorder make this well worth a visit.

www.steps-charity.org.uk - STEPS is a UK-based charity supporting people with lower limb conditions, especially talipes (club foot) and hip disorders. The website features a lively discussion forum and a section on Research and Education.


Summary of  treatments for hip dysplasia - Massachusetts General Hospital Patient information on DDH  which covers the signs & symptoms, diagnosis and investigations including X-ray and ultrasound, overview of treatments including Pavlik Harness spica cast

www.hipkidstory.com - Australian mother’s story of her daughter’s treatment for hip dysplasia. Honest account of experience of operations.

www.spicacasts.com - American site designed by parents. Ideas and tricks that parents came up with to make their lives and that of their children easier.

www.hipkid.zoomshare.com - UK parents website detailing personal experience of treatment for hip dysplasia. Good practical advice on equipment and social assistance allowances/tax credits that you may be eligible for.

www.talipestogether.com - Website for parents of children with talipes/clubfoot in Ireland. Information on treatment and opportunity to network.



Sources of equipment  in Ireland/Northern Ireland

www.assistireland.ie - This online resource focuses on assistive technology and a directory of products from Irish suppliers. The STEPS Hip Spica Chair and the Smirthwaite Portable Hip Plaster Chair (suitable for older children) can be viewed on the site and suppliers sourced.

Car Seats

www.incarsafetycentre.co.uk - Source of special needs car seats with a branch in Northern Ireland. Offers seats for hire and for purchase.

www.snugseat.com - Link to Britax HIPPO car seat, specifically designed for transporting children in Hip Spica Casts, Broomstick Casts and Ilfeld Splints, stockist in UK.

Seats suggested by babyhips.ie contacts.

Concord Ultimax
Britax Evolva

bonnybabe.com - Supplies custom footmuffs for spica babies.




Sources of equipment outside Ireland

www.sotev.com - Sotev are a German company that produce specialised car seats and prams/pushchairs for babies and children in hip spica casts. The site can be viewed in English!

www.freewebs.com/arymanth/index.htm - Designer of custom made chairs for children in spica casts. USA. Check out the watermelon slice!

www.hipbabes.com.au - This website offers hip and funky clothing for babies and toddlers.



Links to Irish resources on child health

Best Health For Children - National policy on screening babies and children for a range of disorders including DDH

Caring for Baby: Birth to 6 mths - HSE resource (booklet and cd) giving general advice on caring for your baby from birth to 6mths. Further reasources on caring for child (six months to 2 years) and 2 to 5 years can be ordered from the HSE infoline (booklet and cd) on 1850241850

Six Week Baby Check In General Practice - Results from a project examining the quality and effectiveness of the six week baby check in Ireland. Examination of clicky hips is an important part of the six week baby check.

www.iscp.ie - Information on paediatric physiotherapy in Ireland produced by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in Ireland. http://www.iscp.ie/images/stories/cpp/cpp_back_care.pdf

www.citizensinformation.ie - Information on entitlements to child health services in Ireland.

www.childreninhospital.ie - Provides general advice on preparing your child and yourself for bringing your child into hospital. Offers a phone, postal and e-mail advice and information service.

www.rollercoaster.ie - A site for parents covering the ‘ups and downs’ of parenting.

Links to Irish hospitals offering orthopaedic services for children

Our Ladys Children's Hospital Crumlin - Orthopaedic teams Mr Forgarty, Mr Dowling, Mr Moore, Mr Noel

Temple Street Children's University Hospital - Mr Connolly - Congenital Dislocated Hip Clinics operating on Thursdays (referrals from Cavan General), Mr McCormack operating clinic every alternate Wednesday (referrals from Holles Street)

National Children’s Hospital Tallaght - Information on clinics available here (select the orthopaedic section under paediatric clinics)