Hip dysplasia diagnosis and treatment
CONGENITAL HIP DISLOCATION
A condition where the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone
What is hip dysplasia?
Need to know
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia?
Symptoms vary by age group. In infants, one leg might be shorter than the other. Once they start walking, a limp may develop. In teenagers and young adults, it can cause complications such as painful and stiff joints (osteoarthritis) or a hip labral tear, where the ridge of cartilage that runs around the rim of your hip joint socket gets torn, causing pain or clicking. During physical activity, it may cause groin pain.
What are the causes of hip dysplasia?
There is no known exact cause for hip dysplasia, though it is widely accepted that it develops around the time of birth due to the hip socket being shallower at birth than at any other time. The baby’s position in the womb can increase pressure on the hips. Though most cases of this condition appear at birth, it is possible for some teenagers to develop hip dysplasia.
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?
Your baby’s hips will be checked as part of a newborn physical examination. This examination will be performed again when they are six to eight weeks old.
The assessment involves the gentle manipulation of your baby’s hip joints and isn’t painful. If the hip feels unstable or there is a history of hip problems in the family, your consultant may recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound scan. Mild cases of hip dysplasia often don’t cause symptoms until the baby becomes a teenager, so it can be difficult to diagnose.
Potential treatment options for hip dysplasia
Treatment options may include:
• Pavlik harness. This is a fabric splint that is used for treating hip dysplasia in babies. It secures both hips in a stable position, which allows them to develop normally.
• Surgery. If the harness doesn’t work or your baby is diagnosed at a later date, your consultant may recommend performing a surgical procedure known as an open reduction or a closed reduction which involves placing the ball of the thighbone (femur) back into the hip socket.
How to prevent hip dysplasia
In order to try and prevent your baby from developing hip dysplasia, there are a few things you can do.
• Try not to swaddle your baby too tightly with their thighs and legs bound together
• See your paediatrician regularly, especially during the first six months, to have your baby checked over for this condition
• Dress your baby in clothing that keeps them in the M position, as this keeps them in the spread-squat position that supports healthy hip development
Living with hip dysplasia after diagnosis
Living with hip dysplasia can be painful. However, this can often be managed by pain relief, depending on the severity of your condition. If pain from hip dysplasia becomes severe, you should speak with your doctor.
In some cases, it will be recommended that you get either periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery or a total hip replacement (THR). Ignoring your pain will cause further degeneration of the join and may even eliminate any possibility of corrective surgery in the future to restore hip function.
Our hip consultants
Our facilities
From complex hip surgery to diagnostic scans, tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Contact us
Our advisors can help with your enquiries. Or, you can book an appointment with a specialist or consultant