Welcome to the Graf Method for DDH
Your trusted resource for understanding and diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip through the Graf method, providing comprehensive information about certification for healthcare professionals and products resources.
What is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?
Hip dysplasia is a condition of the hip joint where the socket is dysplastic and not “normally developed”. If the socket is very shallow this can lead to a dislocation of the femoral head, where the head of the femur slips out of the socket. It is often referred to as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or congenital hip dislocation and is usually a problem that is present from birth but sometimes might present later in early childhood.
Origin of DDH and prevention/treatment
DDH is most common in first born females, and there are risk factors such as breech presentation or positive family history (genetic factor). Provided that the condition is diagnosed early and treated within the first three months of life, most children with hip dysplasia will develop normally and only bracing is required. Following hip bracing, if the treatment is successful, the child’s hip is expected to have a full range of movement, without any need for surgery. However, if undiagnosed and untreated, DDH can cause problems in later life.
Diagnosis of DDH
Hip sonography in the "Graf technique" is an important tool to detect early DDH cases and dysplastic hips in infants. Doctors check babies’ hips more than once throughout their development - immediately after birth during the newborn physical examination and again after six to eight weeks. Clinical examination of the baby’s hip joints can reveal symptoms such as:
• Discomfort or pain
• Reduced abduction
• Instability
• Leg length discrepancy
CALENDAR OF COURSES
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03-07 March 2025
Graf Ultrasound Course Diagnosis and Management of Dysplasia of the Infant Hip
Glasgow, UK
12 - 14 MARCH 2025
II Curso Orthopediatrica Sobre Displasia de Cadera
Sevilla, Spain
21 - 22 MARCH 2025
Corso Teorico-Pratico Avanzato Ecografia Dell'Anca
Napoli, Italy
27 - 28 MARCH 2025
Seminar on Ultrasound-Guided Diagnosis and Treatment of Developmental Hip Dysplasia
Thessanoliky, Greece
24 - 26 NOVEMBER 2025
Basic Graf Ultrasound Course for the Diagnosis and Management of Dysplasia of the Infant Hip
London, UK
24 - 26 NOVEMBER 2025
Advanced Graf Ultrasound Course for the Diagnosis and Management of Dysplasia of the Infant Hip
London, UK
22 - 26 JUNE 2026
Graf Ultrasound Course (Two-Day Basic Course) for the Diagnosis and Management of Developmental Dysplasia of the Infant Hip
Cardiff, UK
www.grafmethod.org - 2025
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