Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball of the thighbone. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this common cause of hip pain in young adults.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), is a condition where the hip socket (acetabulum) is too shallow to fully support the ball of the femur (femoral head). This creates instability and abnormal wear on the joint.
While hip dysplasia is often present from birth, many cases aren’t diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood when symptoms develop. If left untreated, dysplasia can lead to early-onset arthritis and the need for hip replacement at a young age.
Early diagnosis and treatment can preserve the natural hip joint and delay or prevent the need for hip replacement surgery.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in teens and adults may include:
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- A limp or waddling gait
- Feeling of the hip "catching" or "popping"
- Limited range of motion
- One leg appearing shorter than the other
- Pain that worsens with activity
Risk Factors
- Family history of hip dysplasia
- First-born children
- Female gender (4-5x more common)
- Breech position during pregnancy
- Swaddling with legs straight and together
If you have risk factors and are experiencing hip pain, early evaluation is important to prevent long-term damage.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hip dysplasia involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies:
- 1
Physical Examination
Checking range of motion and provocative tests
- 2
X-rays
Measure socket coverage angles and assess joint alignment
- 3
MRI or CT Scan
Evaluate cartilage damage and labral tears
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
When caught early, hip dysplasia can often be treated with joint-preserving surgery that delays or prevents the need for hip replacement.
If arthritis has already developed, treatment options become more limited. That’s why it’s important to have hip pain evaluated promptly.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of dysplasia and the condition of the cartilage.
Observation & Physical Therapy
For mild cases, monitoring and strengthening exercises may be sufficient.
Best for: Mild dysplasia without significant symptoms
Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)
Surgical repositioning of the hip socket to provide better coverage of the femoral head.
Best for: Young adults with preserved cartilage
Hip Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive surgery to address labral tears and other soft tissue problems.
Best for: When labral damage is present
Hip Replacement
For advanced arthritis caused by untreated dysplasia.
Best for: Severe arthritis with significant cartilage loss
Related Conditions
Don’t wait until it’s too late
Early treatment for hip dysplasia can preserve your natural joint. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunter to discuss your options.