Hip Dysplasia in Adolescents and Adults
What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a general term used for a range of possible deformities of the hip, commonly leading to hip instability, hip dislocation, or a shallow hip socket. This deformity in either the size, shape or orientation of the ball (femur) or socket (acetabulum) can lead to a malalignment of the hip joint.
The exact cause of hip dysplasia is not fully understood but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Historically hip dysplasia was thought to be a condition developing in infants and young children and is screened for in neonates in Australia. However, it can remain undetected or be mild enough to not require treatment, until it becomes symptomatic in adolescence or adulthood. More recently, medical understanding has expanded to include the three-dimensional nature of the deformity, often involving the direction of the socket or the ball of the hip, rather than just a shallow socket alone.
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in adolescents and adults can include any or all of: groin or buttock pain, hip muscle fatigue or dysfunction, or instability of the hip. In many cases hip dysplasia can cause a limp when walking.
Hip dysplasia is typically diagnosed with the context of a detailed history, physical examination of the hip, and X-ray imaging, but some cases may require further advanced imaging such as a CT scan or MRI scan.
How is hip dysplasia treated?
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on both the severity of the dysplasia and the severity of symptoms. Untreated severe hip dysplasia leads to advanced degeneration of the hip joint at an early age which can require full hip replacement surgery.
Untreated mild hip dysplasia is less clearly defined, likely due to its unrecognised nature and late diagnosis. Generally, if the cartilage damage is minimal and the hip dysplasia is identified at an early stage, treatment can be aimed at joint preservation - with non-operative and operative intervention options. Joint preservation usually includes a form of reorientation surgery either of the socket (peri-acetabular osteotomy) or ball (femoral osteotomy) depending on the cause. Occasionally there may be a labral tear that requires a second keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) to repair or reconstruct.
Dr Eardley-Harris has been extensively trained and has experience in both diagnoses, and both types of surgery, and will discuss with you further details if hip preservation surgery is being considered.
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Meet Nathan
He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.
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