Hip Dysplasia

Anatomy

The hip joint is the junction between the femur (thigh) bone and the pelvis and is referred to as a ball and socket joint. The head of the femur is the ball, and the socket is referred to as the acetabulum of the pelvis. The neck of the femur attaches the femoral head to the rest of the femur. Articular cartilage covers the femoral head and acetabulum allowing the bone to glide easily with one another. The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that goes about 270° along the rim of the acetabulum and helps to add stability to the hip by providing a suction seal affect. 

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which there is under coverage of the acetabulum with respect to the femoral head, it other terms, a shallow hip socket. Hip dysplasia can put more stress on the junction between the labrum and the acetabulum resulting in labral tears. Hip dysplasia can lead to earlier wear of the  articular cartilage, resulting in arthritis. In many cases, the exact cause for hip dysplasia is not known. However, in some cases there is a genetic component. Hip dysplasia is more common in female patients but is seen in both females and males. 

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

• Pain in the front part of the hip (groin) or sometimes the side
• Increased hip range of motion
• May feel like the hip is unstable
• Feeling like the hip is going out of place

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia

A thorough patient history and physical exam along with imaging studies including x-rays are needed to diagnose hip dysplasia. Occasionally MRI or CT imaging might be ordered to provide more three dimensional understanding of the hip. 

Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

• Activity modifications and rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Injections

• Hip arthroscopy: Might be indicated if patient is borderline dysplastic and has a labral tear
• Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO): Bone cuts made around the acetabulum and repositioning the acetabulum to correct the dysplasia
• Total hip replacement: If there is arthritis already present in the hip joint