Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
Hip dysplasia is a structural variation of the hip joint which involves the of the two main parts of the hip: the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum). The upper or weight bearing portion of the acetabulum or roof is typically inclined and may be narrow in the dysplastic hip. The upper portion of the femur is less angled than usual. This mismatch causes increased forces between the acetabulum and the femoral head resulting in a tear of the acetabular labrum and wear of the articular cartilage which is arthritis. Hip dysplasia is usually congenital, meaning that one is born with the condition. It can also be caused by trauma or result from other conditions affecting the structural parts of the hip. Dysplasia is more common in women. The morphological or structural variations occur on a spectrum of severity. The structure differences can be very mild or severe.
Symptoms include groin pain, painful clicking sensation in the groin, increased flexibility, or a feeling of instability in the hip joint.
The treatment for hip dysplasia is directed at making the structure of the hip more normal. This is accomplished by reorienting the two parts of the hip joint, the acetabulum and the femur.
Hip dysplasia is when the hip socket in the pelvis (the acetabulum), where the femoral head fits, is too shallow to support the femoral head, the ball-shaped bone at the top of the femur or thigh bone. Many who are diagnosed with hip dysplasia may have been born with it but did not experience symptoms until adulthood. It is best to treat this condition to avoid further issues like osteoarthritis and the need for a hip replacement.
The symptoms for hip dysplasia are variable and can present differently for individuals. The most common symptoms are pain in the groin (increased pain with activity), limping, a popping or snapping sensation, range of motion in the hip is limited, and discomfort sleeping on the hip.
Hip dysplasia can cause hip labral tears in many cases. A hip labral tear is a common issue, especially in women, that can cause pain, stiffness, and locking at the hip joint.
What are my options?
The preferred treatment for hip dysplasia is Periacetabular Osteotomy and or Proximal Femoral Osteotomy. These surgical procedures reorient the acetabulum and upper femur to create a more normal hip structure.
