Overview
Teratologic dislocation of the hip (also called teratologic hip dislocation or teratologic congenital hip dislocation) is a rare condition present at birth in which one or both hip joints are severely dislocated — meaning the ball of the thigh bone sits completely outside the hip socket. Unlike the more common developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), this form is called 'teratologic' because it happens very early in fetal development, often as part of a broader underlying condition such as a neuromuscular disorder, a chromosomal syndrome, or another birth defect syndrome. The dislocation is typically rigid and fixed, making it much harder to treat than ordinary hip dislocation in newborns. Because the hip is dislocated so early in pregnancy, the joint and surrounding structures — including the socket, cartilage, and muscles — may be poorly formed. Children with this condition often have significant difficulty walking, uneven leg lengths, and limited movement in the hip. Pain can develop over time, especially if the condition is not treated. The underlying cause (such as arthrogryposis, myelomeningocele, or a chromosomal condition) also shapes how the child is affected overall. Treatment is complex and usually requires a team of specialists. Unlike typical infant hip dislocation, simple bracing rarely works. Surgery is often needed, though the goals and timing depend heavily on the child's overall health and underlying diagnosis. The aim of treatment is to improve function, reduce pain, and support the best possible quality of life.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Hip joint completely out of place at birth (dislocation present from birth)Stiff or rigid hip that cannot be moved back into place easilyUneven leg lengthsDifficulty or inability to walk normallyLimited range of motion in the hipAbnormal posture or gait (waddling walk or limping)Hip or groin pain, especially as the child grows olderMuscle weakness or tightness around the hipAssociated features of an underlying syndrome (such as joint contractures, spine problems, or muscle weakness)
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Rare teratologic disease.
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Rare Disease Specialist
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rare teratologic disease.
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Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Automatic Phenotyping of Patients on 2D Photography
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Rare teratologic disease
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the underlying condition causing my child's hip dislocation, and how does that affect the treatment plan?,Is surgery recommended, and if so, what type and when?,What are the realistic goals of treatment — will my child be able to walk independently?,What are the risks of surgery, and what happens if we choose not to operate?,How many surgeries might my child need over their lifetime?,What genetic testing should we have done to understand the root cause?,What therapies or home exercises can we do to support my child's hip health and overall development?
Common questions about Rare teratologic disease
What is Rare teratologic disease?
Teratologic dislocation of the hip (also called teratologic hip dislocation or teratologic congenital hip dislocation) is a rare condition present at birth in which one or both hip joints are severely dislocated — meaning the ball of the thigh bone sits completely outside the hip socket. Unlike the more common developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), this form is called 'teratologic' because it happens very early in fetal development, often as part of a broader underlying condition such as a neuromuscular disorder, a chromosomal syndrome, or another birth defect syndrome. The dislocation is t
At what age does Rare teratologic disease typically begin?
Typical onset of Rare teratologic disease is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Rare teratologic disease?
15 specialists and care centers treating Rare teratologic disease are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.