Hip Dysplasia
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition present from birth in which the hip socket (acetabulum) does not fully cover the ball of the thigh bone (femoral head). This lack of coverage causes the joint to be unstable and places too much pressure on a smaller area of the hip, leading to increased wear and tear.
Over time, this imbalance can result in damage to the labrum (the ring of cartilage that cushions the joint), feelings of instability, and early-onset arthritis. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can significantly increase the likelihood of needing a hip replacement at a younger age.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Hip Joint
To better understand hip dysplasia and its symptoms, it helps to first understand how the hip joint works. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the femoral head (the ball) fits into the acetabulum (the socket). In a healthy hip, the socket fully covers the ball, providing stability and even distribution of weight across the joint. In patients with hip dysplasia, the socket is too shallow or misshapen, and does not fully cover the femoral head.
This lack of coverage causes the joint to be unstable and places excessive pressure on a smaller area of the cartilage and labrum. Over time, this can lead to labral tears, cartilage damage, pain, and early development of arthritis in the hip.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hip dysplasia involves a thorough evaluation that includes reviewing your medical history, assessing your current symptoms, and performing a detailed physical examination. During the exam, specific tests may be used to evaluate range of motion, joint stability, muscle strength, and areas of tenderness or discomfort.
Imaging studies often play a key role in diagnosis. X-rays can help identify structural abnormalities or rule out fractures, while MRI or MR arthrogram can provide detailed images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and the labrum.
Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on the severity of the condition and each patient's individual needs. For mild cases, non-surgical options like activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and improve hip function.
If conservative treatments no longer provide relief, some patients may benefit from surgery to restore function of their hip. Mild cases of hip dysplasia can often be treated with hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon uses a small camera and instruments to view the joint, repair damaged tissue, and tighten the joint capsule for better stability. For more severe dysplasia, a procedure called a peri-acetabular osteotomy (PAO) may be recommended. This surgery corrects the abnormal shape of the hip socket by repositioning the bones to provide better coverage of the femoral head and improve joint function.
What is the American Hip Institute?
The American Hip Institute is the #1 clinic in the United States for advanced hip treatment, offering the best outcomes and patient experience in the world.
Hip Dysplasia Treatment at the American Hip Institute
The American Hip Institute is a leader in the treatment of hip dysplasia, offering innovative surgical solutions that few centers in the nation can match. Our expert surgeons are among the pioneers in combining hip arthroscopy with procedures like the periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to repair joint damage and correct structural abnormalities in a single, comprehensive approach. We are proud to have Dr. Benjamin Kuhns on staff, one of the only surgeons in the region with specialized expertise in performing PAO, providing patients with advanced care options that help preserve the natural hip joint and restore long-term function.
American Hip Institute by The Numbers
- 1stIn the nation to perform outpatient robotic hip surgery
- 10000+Hip surgeries performed by AHI surgeons
- 550+Research articles published by the team, driving innovation in hip treatment
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Patient Thanks AHI For Diagnosis & Treatment of Hip Dysplasia
Thank you for your diagnosis last year for hip dysplasia. It was a rough year, but after my PAO with your team I was able to successfully heal and prepare for my wedding!
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Collegiate Lacrosse Player Has Successful Labral Repair and PAO at The American Hip Institute
I just started playing again this past year and then this year, my senior year, I'll finally get to play a full fall ball season. I'll actually be able to compete competitively again, which I am really excited about.
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Amber D.: 5 Doctors, 3 Years, 1 Life-Changing Diagnosis
After my first appointment with the team at American Hip Institute, they had a guess about what could be causing my hip pain. They sent me to get an MRI and, within a week, identified the correct diagnosis, and my surgery was booked.
Meet Our Team!
The American Hip Institute is the first medical center in the nation dedicated exclusively to the treatment of hip conditions, with specialized expertise in hip dysplasia. Our surgeons are among the few in the country trained to perform both minimally invasive hip arthroscopy and advanced procedures like periacetabular osteotomy to correct structural abnormalities. With over 10,000 hip surgeries performed and a commitment to research-driven care, AHI leads the field in innovation and excellence in the treatment of hip dysplasia.
