Developmental Hip Dysplasia: From childhood to adulthood
What is Developmental Hip Dysplasia?
Adult Hip Dysplasia, or Developmental Hip Dysplasia is a hip disorder from birth, resulting in abnormal hip joint development.
The hip socket or “acetabulum” is shallow and inadequately covers the head of the femur. This causes unnatural forces on the hip joint, which eventually leads to secondary osteoarthritis of the hip in adulthood.
What are the risk factors for this condition?
Outcomes of this condition are multifactorial. This condition is more common in females. Other risk factors are breech presentation, family history, and other lower extremity asymmetries.
Hip Dysplasia may be detected at birth and treated accordingly. In case it remains undiagnosed, the progression of the disease varies per patient. Frequent monitoring is done to avoid dislocation of the hip or the development of a “false acetabulum” – a hip socket that is out of place.
What are the symptoms of Developmental Hip Dysplasia?
Symptoms during adulthood may be any of the following: hip or groin pain, uneven gait, unequal leg lengths, and limited or painful hip range of motion. Consult with an Orthopedic Hip specialist if you experience any of these. Radiographs will be done to confirm the diagnosis.
How is this condition treated?
The treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
For early-stage and mild cases, medical management and physical therapy may be adequate.
In moderate type disease for some relatively younger patients, a surgical procedure called an osteotomy may be done. An osteotomy is performed by cutting the hip bone at an angle then repositioning it. A metal implant will be used to maintain the new position. This will preserve the native bone in patients who are too young to undergo hip replacement surgery.
For Adult Hip Dysplasia with dislocation or severe degenerative changes, the usual treatment is a Hip Joint Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty). The joint is replaced with metal implants and reduced to its native position.
What is expected after surgery?
Patients may undergo physical therapy post-surgery. Immediate ambulation is encouraged. The Orthopedic specialist will advise you on the restrictions to avoid complications and return to your daily activities.