The hip joint consists of a hip head and a hip socket. Normally, the head is stable in the center of the socket and the socket is sufficiently deep. In hip dysplasia, the relationship between head and socket is disturbed. The socket is not deep enough. As a result, the hip head can shift in the socket and slide in and out (partially).

The Divi "Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Children" explains the condition and the different treatments to parents. An animation also explains how to apply the Pavlik bandage, a spreading device to get the hip into the correct position.