What is Adolescent Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an abnormal condition in which our thigh bone or the femur does not fit together with the pelvis. The joint is not proper as it should be. Some of the most common symptoms are unequal leg lengths, pain in the hip, and limping. Hip dysplasia is an abnormality in the hip joint and the most common treatment include physical therapy, braces for babies, and surgery.

Hip dysplasia can damage the tissue that cushions these bones in the joint also called the cartilage. In some cases, pain is felt and issues range from an unstable joint to dislocation. As per a recent survey, it was confirmed that one out of every thousand babies is born with hip dysplasia. This condition is common in the case of girls and first new-born. In general, it occurs in the hip region and commonly on the left side. Dr Mohsin E Azam do Knee and Hip replacement Surgery Dubai.

What causes hip dysplasia?

The hip joint attaches the femur to the pelvis reason under the configuration of the ball and socket joint. There shows an improper alignment of the femur with the curved socket in the pelvis. It is common in people with hip dysplasia. Cases have been recorded that the socket is not deep enough to hold the top of the femur (femoral head) in place. It has been seen that most people with hip dysplasia were born with the condition. A baby’s position in the womb can also develop hip dysplasia as it puts pressure on the hips. This condition can also be passed down in families, it can also be genetic. The condition is called congenital hip dislocation or developmental dysplasia of the hip when a person is born with it.

What is the anatomy of the hip?

It is a well-known fact that our ship is one of the largest joints. The joint configuration is ball and socket. The acetabulum forms the socket, which is a part of the large pelvis bone. The femoral head or the ball is the upper end of the femur (thighbone). Articular cartilage covers the bone surface of the ball and socket. It is a slippery and smooth substance that cushions and protects the bones and enables them to move easily. Fibrocartilage forms the lining of the acetabulum called the labrum. It holds the femoral head in place with the help of a tight seal

What are the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia?

Some signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia include -

· Pain in the hip

· Unequal leg lengths

· Limping when walking

· Loose or unstable hip joint

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

In the first few days of a baby’s life, the doctor will perform a physical exam that will determine hip dysplasia. This exam will again be carried out after 2 months. No sign of this condition is visible until a child gets older. When a child turns over 6 months, ultrasound, CT scans, and X-rays can confirm a diagnosis. Thereafter the tests enable doctors to see inside the hip joint for signs of damage and identification of the abnormality.

How is hip dysplasia treated?

Treatment for hip dysplasia involves protecting the hip joint from further damage and managing the pain. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, the doctor will tailor the treatment. The treatment options are here as follows –

· Brace –

Doctors may use a harness or brace to hold the joint in place while the child grows. This is for babies under 6 months old.

· Physical Therapy –

In order to strengthen the joint and improve flexibility, it is important to have regular exercise.

· Surgery –

In many cases, doctors repair the hip joint with 2 widely accepted operations. First one is

Periacetabular osteotomy (here the repositions of the femur take place into the hip socket), the second is arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure to repair a torn labrum, the layer of cartilage around the hip socket), or total hip replacement (here an artificial joint is used to restore the hip). Dr Mohsin E Azam is Best Orthopedic Surgeon Dubai who do treatment of Adolescent Hip Dysplasia.

What complications are associated with hip dysplasia?

If you are neglecting hip dysplasia, then you may have to face severe consequences. It can cause painful long-term problems, like –

· Dislocated joint – Bones slide out of place in the joint.

· Osteoarthritis - Cartilage damage that causes hip pain and stiffness.

· Unstable joint - Looseness in the joint that causes pain and weakness.

· Hip Labral Tear - Damage to the cartilage that lines the socket of the hip joint

Can hip dysplasia be prevented?

It has been observed that most cases of hip dysplasia cannot be prevented. In order to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, it is recommended not to wrap the newborn up too tightly.

What are the risk factors for hip dysplasia?

People at higher risk for hip dysplasia include -

· Females

· Genetics

· Firstborn

· Born in the breech position (bottom first instead of head first)

Progressive hip osteoarthritis come at an early age, no matter if you are a young adult or adolescent. A spectrum of disorders can be represented by hip dysplasia due to the abnormal formation of the hip joint. This results in an acetabulum that does not sufficiently cover the femoral head. The ability to recognize symptoms is crucial as the patient can be referred to the appropriate provider for further treatment.

Some evidence of adolescent hip dysplasia can be figured out by radiography and physical examination findings. It is always recommended to have timely treatment before the onset of hip disease. Periacetabular osteotomy is the standard treatment of acetabular dysplasia in skeletally mature patients. However, other procedures such as arthroscopic surgery and non-operative management can also be considered in cases of symptomatic borderline dysplasia.