What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the bones in the hip joints do not fit properly.

Hip dysplasia most commonly occurs in babies and young children, although it presents first in adults in mild forms. Healthcare providers sometimes refer to hip dysplasia that children are born with as congenital hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). These all refer to the same condition.

A joint is the part of the body where two bones meet. Your hip joint is a connection point between your thigh bone, the femur, and your hip bone, the pelvis.

In hip dysplasia, the femur fails to fit into the pelvis correctly. More specifically, the round ball at the head of the femur- the femoral head- does not match up correctly with the curved socket in the pelvis- it should fit into (the acetabulum).

This poor fit can damage the cartilage that cushions the joint. In addition to the above symptoms, people with hip dysplasia are more vulnerable to a condition called hip dislocations.

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if your hip hurts and doesn't improve in a few days. Visit a provider if you believe your baby is in pain or if one of their legs appears significantly different from the other.

What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia?

The most common symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

• Hip pain in the front of your groin area.
• You feel like your hip is loose or unstable.
• Hips shall limp when walking or moving.
• Legs are of two different lengths.

Babies born with hip dysplasia who aren't old enough to walk may have other signs of the condition, such as:

• One leg points out from the body more than the other leg
• One leg will move less than the other.
• The skin over their thighs and buttocks is uneven or wrinkled.

How soon does a baby with hip dysplasia present with symptoms?

Most babies with hip dysplasia are identified when they are less than six months old. Your provider may even identify your child right after birth.

Your child may not seem to have any symptoms you can look for at home, but your provider will examine their hips every visit during the well-child visit.

Hip dysplasia may be identified in older children, teens, and even adults, though it is much less common.

What causes hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is caused when your femur does not fit into the socket in your pelvis. You sometimes develop it when either your hip socket is too shallow or the head of your femur is not typically shaped.

Birth is the most common period in which people develop this condition. It can start when a fetus is growing in its mother's womb when positioned in such a way that it stretches and puts its hips under pressure. It is also genetic because biological parents can hand over this condition to their offspring.

What are the risk factors for hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is most prevalent in individuals of any age, and babies can also be born with it. Also, more females and those assigned female at birth, as well as first-born babies, are prone to hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia can occur in either hip, although it occurs much more frequently on the left side.

What are the complications resulting from hip dysplasia?

Adults and babies with hip dysplasia tend to suffer from hip dislocation easily. Typically, hip dislocations seldom occur unless it's during grave traumas such as a car accident or a substantial fall. However, if you have hip dysplasia, your hip joint is usually weaker than it ideally should be, which raises your chances of dislocation. Hip dysplasia may also make your hip muscles and ligaments lax compared to what they usually are.

A doctor will advise you on preventing injuries and reducing your risk of experiencing a dislocation.

Other complications of hip dysplasia include:

• Hip labral tears: Tears in your cartilage inside your hip joint.
• Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear arthritis that arises as your joint cartilage is steadily worn away.
• Unstable hip joints: Chronic pain from your hip joint not forming a good fit.

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

A healthcare professional diagnoses hip dysplasia through a physical examination and some imaging tests. Let your provider know when you first notice hip pain and any activity that worsens it. Your provider will look for signs of hip dysplasia in your baby within the first few days of birth and at all your baby's well-child visits. What tests does my provider use to diagnose hip dysplasia?

Your physician may perform various imaging studies to capture images of your, or your child's, hips, including:

• Ultrasound
• Hip X-rays.
• A computed tomography (CT) scan.

How is hip dysplasia treated?

A doctor will recommend therapies for hip dysplasia that alleviate pain and preserve your hip joint. The most common hip dysplasia treatments include:

• Wearing a brace: Babies may also have to wear a brace or harness, which is placed on the body to hold the hips in place, keeping the joints aligned as their bodies grow and develop. Most babies need bracing for only a few months and will be cured of dysplasia as long as the baby is diagnosed and the treatment initiated at an early age- preferably less than 6 months.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can offer stretches and exercises that will help strengthen the muscles surrounding your hip joint and improve your flexibility.
• Hip dysplasia surgery: Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to correct hip dysplasia if other treatments don't work. Some standard procedures to repair hip dysplasia include hip osteotomy and hip arthroscopies. Osteotomy refers to surgery where the contours of your bones are reshaped and aligned to meet the specified requirements. Hip arthroscopy Arthroscopy of the hip is a minimally invasive technique to repair damage inside your hip joint. You will need arthroplasty or a hip replacement if you have severe hip dysplasia or arthritis. Your surgeon will inform you about the type of surgery you or your child may need and what to expect.

Can I prevent hip dysplasia?

You cannot prevent your child from being born with hip dysplasia. You also can't prevent it in yourself. It happens naturally when your hips are shaped differently than most people.

Please discuss with your healthcare provider how to protect your child's hips as they develop. They can provide you with suggestions on how not to put undue stress on your baby's joints.

What is the prognosis for hip dysplasia?

Most infants with hip dysplasia experience no long-term problems provided it is identified early. They typically wear a brace for just a few months to help their hips develop, and then they have no issues or complications.

Adults with hip dysplasia may return to all activities when cleared by their provider.

Living With

How often will I need to see my healthcare provider?

If the pain continues beyond days of rest, consult a health provider. Consult a healthcare provider if your child has one or more of these symptoms of hip dysplasia.

To seek an expert consultation for any orthopedic condition.

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