Skeletal dysplasias are disorders that affect the bones and cartilage of fetuses in utero. The condition is usually discovered just before or after birth, or during health follow-ups. While skeletal dysplasias are rare—developing in one out of every 4,000-5,000 children born—a common form of the condition affects the hip joint. Speak with a Bayhealth orthopedic expert about treatment options for hip dysplasia.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Around the time a baby is born, their hips begin to harden into bone. During this process, the ball of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket of the pelvis (acetabulum) form together, ideally fitting snugly and comfortably. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket don’t fit together well. The result of this malformation is that hip dislocations occur more often.
Signs and Symptoms
Hip dysplasia symptoms vary depending on the patient. Infants may have one leg that seems noticeably shorter than the other, and when the child begins walking, a limp may develop. Flexibility, balance and range of motion may also be affected by hip dysplasia. Later in life, the condition could cause pain in the groin area during movement.
If not properly treated, hip dysplasia may lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis and labral tears. Learn more about conditions treated by our team of orthopedic experts.
Risk Factors
While causes are not always clear, the following factors have been linked to hip dysplasia.
- Labor Issues: Hip dysplasia often occurs during childbirth, particularly if the infant goes into breech position, as this places pressure on the pelvis.
- Hereditary Factors: People whose families have a history of dysplasia are at greater risk of developing the condition. Prenatal genetic testing may provide clarity.
How We Diagnose Dysplasia
Our orthopedic experts use the following procedures to diagnose hip dysplasia.
- X-Ray: A common medical imaging procedure, X-rays use radiation to capture colorless images of your bones, joints and soft tissue.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
- Hip Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are bounced off your internal tissues and organs, creating a detailed image (sonogram) of the affected area.
Treatment Options
Our board-certified orthopedic experts work collaboratively to outline a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. Infants diagnosed with hip dysplasia may receive a soft brace—such as a Pavlik harness—that holds the joint and helps it mold properly. For slightly older children, a cast may be necessary to set the joint. Advanced cases of hip dysplasia may require surgery.
- Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO): During this surgical procedure, our experts reposition your hip socket (acetabulum) to improve its function.
Older individuals who never received treatment for hip dysplasia may need hip replacement surgery to address the long-term damage of the condition. Speak with an orthopedic expert about hip dysplasia, or learn more about orthopedic conditions we treat.