Hip Dysplasia Treatment
What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a general term used for a deformity of the hip 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, understanding has changed 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 treated?
Treatment of hip dysplasia in infants and children aim to promote proper hip development and stability. Treatment options include:
- Pavlik harness or brace
- In mild cases of hip dysplasia or infants, a brace may be used to gently position the hip joint in a stable position and encourage proper development
- Closed reduction, arthrogram and hip spica casting
- For more severe cases, or in older infants, manipulation of the hip and casting may be needed to maintain the corrected position of the hip during the critical period of hip development
- Open reduction and osteotomy
- In cases where conservative measures are unsuccessful or if the child is diagnosed at an older age, surgical intervention may be necessary. Open reduction and osteotomy involve surgical correction of the hip joint, removing the tissues that block the hip joint to improve stability and alignment
The benefits of treatment of hip dysplasia as an infant and child include:
- Promotion of proper hip development and stability
- Prevention of long-term joint damage and arthritis
- Alleviation of hip pain and discomfort
- Restoration of normal hip function and mobility
Treatment of hip dysplasia in adolescents and young adults aim to promote better biomechanics for function, reduce pain, and decrease arthritis via realignment. This can be done with three surgical methods:
- Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO): Reorientation surgery to change the position of the acetabulum (socket) over the femur (ball)
- Femoral osteotomy: Reorientation surgery to change the position of the femur (ball) in the acetabulum (socket), or reorient the natural twist in the femur (thigh bone)
- Total hip replacement: Replacement of the worn-out cartilage, or treatment of arthritis with a prosthesis
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.
Comprehensive Surgical Care
A joint decision between you and Dr Eardley-Harris has been made to proceed with surgery after discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
You may need special equipment to prepare your home for your return.
Comprehensive Surgical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
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