What is Hip Dysplasia and Why it Requires Surgery

Hip dysplasia happens when the hip socket does not cover the ball (femoral head) of the upper thigh bone (femur) properly, leading to a partial or complete dislocation of the hips. In 9 out of 10 cases, hip dysplasia is an inborn condition and it's more common than anyone thinks.

According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, 5-10% of cases requiring hip replacement among the elderly in the U.S. are due to hip dysplasia that developed in their early years. Some of these adults don't actually know that their hips and thigh bones had problems until it started causing pain.  

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

This musculoskeletal condition may run in the family and it's more common in women than men. It could arise because the ball and socket on the hips didn't mold well during a baby's development.

Although the cause of hip dysplasia is unknown, there are some factors that may contribute to the development of this abnormality, such as:

• A breech presentation at birth
• The baby is too large for the mother’s pelvis

The baby may also be growing inside a crowded womb environment, which could affect the hip's proper development. Hip dysplasia may also be acquired because of how the baby was swaddled or carried after birth.

As the baby grows older, he/she may not realize that her hip joints are misfitted, which causes wear and tear injuries to develop faster. The condition could worsen if the patient develops hip osteoarthritis as an adult, which is characterized by the wearing out of the cartilage around the hip's ball and socket.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

The signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia may be present during young adulthood. The groin area may become painful and develop a snapping sensation following a physical activity. The pain may grow worse over the years leading to limpness and stiffness. Sometimes, it takes years before a hip dysplasia is correctly diagnosed despite the woman experiencing hip pain. 

Orthopedics in Boca Raton may require an imaging test, such as an MRI or an X-ray, to determine the extent of the damage on the hips before prescribing or advising treatment. Surgery is almost always the only treatment for this condition to be completely alleviated.

Benefits of Orthopedic Surgery for Hip Dysplasia

Surgery can prevent further damage to the hips. This is the only procedure that can realign or reshape the joints so that the hips become more stable. 

A patient may need the surgery if she can no longer do everyday activities and the medications she takes for pain relief no longer helps. Depending on the severity of the condition, hip dysplasia surgery may entail:

• Periacetabular osteotomy

This procedure keeps most of the hips intact as the hip socket is repositioned so that it aligns and covers the ball well. 

• Total hip replacement surgery

This procedure is required when the hip joints are severely damaged due to conditions, like osteoarthritis that make basic activities, like getting up the bed difficult and painful. 

Following hip dysplasia surgery and physical therapy during recovery and rehabilitation, the patient can resume her normal activities with ease.

Learn more about  Orthopaedic Surgery Associates

If you have been experiencing signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia, it is advisable to consult your doctor to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Our orthopedic surgeons in Boca Raton & Boynton Beach have a wide range of experience in the field of orthopedic and surgical procedures needed to treat and manage your condition. 

Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many athletes and orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. Our Board Certified doctors and fellowship-trained surgeons are a team of highly qualified and experienced orthopedic doctors who can evaluate your condition and symptoms. They can recommend the right pain management and treatment options for you. 

We are one of the most advanced orthopedic groups in Florida. Contact us for more information on how we can help you on your path to healing your orthopedic health condition. 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.