When the hip joint does not develop properly and the socket is too shallow, hip dysplasia occurs. This allows the ball to slip out of the joint.
Variations of this can happen in infants (developmental dysplasia of the hip or DDH), and in the long term, older children and young adults (acetabular dysplasia).
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What are the signs and symptoms?
- Hip pain, thigh pain or knee pain
- Worsening pain with activity
- Hip dislocation, when the joint may pop in and out of place
- Legs may look uneven (DDH)
- Limited range of motion, or not being able to to fully spread or stretch the affected leg outward
What causes hip dysplasia?
The exact cause is currently unknown. It is likely that both environmental and genetic factors play a role.
How is it diagnosed?
- Physical exam
- X-rays
- Additional imaging if necessary:
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the extent of your child’s condition. There are several non-surgical options to treat hip dysplasia:
Developmental Dysplasia (DDH) in Infants
- Pavlik harness
- Abduction bracing
- Body casting
Acetabular Dysplasia in Older Children and Young Adults
- Activity modification or restriction
- Physical therapy
Surgery is only necessary in more severe or complicated cases. Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan to treat your child’s hip dysplasia. Orthopedic specialists at Connecticut Children’s are the only healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut that offer hip preservation surgeries such as periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).