What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia can occur when a baby's hip joint does not develop properly. It's usually noticed in babies. However, adolescents and adults may also have symptoms later in life. This can happen if hip dysplasia was not found earlier in their life.

The hip joint is a ball and socket. The top of the thighbone (femur) is the ball. This fits into the socket, which is a curved part of the pelvis (the acetabulum).

In hip dysplasia, the curved part of the pelvis is too shallow. This causes the hip to become dislocated or unstable. It's called 'developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)'.

Hip dysplasia found early in life can be repaired. Usually, the issue is completely fixed. If not treated in childhood, hip dysplasia can damage your joint as you get older.

What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia in babies is not painful. Symptoms include:

• a hip joint that clicks when rotated
• different length legs
• legs are difficult to spread apart
• not putting weight on one leg
• uneven skin near the buttocks
• weight on one side when sitting.

Some babies with hip dysplasia might be late in sitting or walking. Toddlers might walk unevenly or limp when they walk.

In adolescents and adults, the main symptom of hip dysplasia is sharp pain. This pain is especially in the groin area. The pain may become worse when:

• standing
• walking
• using stairs
• running

What causes hip dysplasia?

The exact cause of hip dysplasia is not known. Hormones and the baby's position in the womb can affect the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia is more common in:

• firstborn children
• females
• breech births
• babies with a family history of hip dysplasia

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

All newborn babies are examined for hip dysplasia in their first few days of life. These tests are repeated at 6 weeks. If a problem is found, an ultrasound can be done. This may also be done in babies at high risk of hip dysplasia.

In older children and adults, a physical examination, and an x-ray are used to diagnose the condition.

An MRI or CT scan may be needed to have a closer look at the pelvis. This can show if there is any damage to the hips.

How is hip dysplasia treated?

Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on:

• your age
• how severe the condition is
• whether you have arthritis

Babies and young children

Babies younger than 4 months can wear a soft brace (known as a Pavlik harness). This is used to help their hip develop normally.

A small number of babies may need to have surgery and spend time in a Rhino brace.

You can speak to your doctor about bracing.

Adolescents and adults

Adolescents and adults can be given treatment to keep their hip working for as long as possible. They may be given anti-inflammatory medicine to help manage the pain.

Physical activity and strengthening exercises will help you stay healthy. However, you should avoid running and impact sports. These sports can put too much pressure on your hip joint.

You should speak to a physiotherapist about exercising with hip dysplasia.

Walking with a cane may help in the later stages of hip dysplasia. Gently moving and stretching your hip will help to keep it lubricated and moving well.

Surgery can sometimes be used to:

• re-shape the pelvis so that the hip joint sits in a more normal position
• repair the cartilage

This will help reduce the pain and slow down the damage to your joint. In some cases, you may eventually need hip replacement surgery.

Can hip dysplasia be prevented?

The best way to prevent problems with hip dysplasia is to find and treat it early.

There are things you can do to prevent hip dysplasia after your baby is born. These can include using baby carriers that improve hip position.

If you have a baby with hip dysplasia, be sure to use safe breastfeeding positions. You can ask for advice from a lactation consultant or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Complications of hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a leading cause of hip pain in older people.

Many adults with hip dysplasia develop osteoarthritis, which can result in disability. Learn more about living with osteoarthritis here.

People with hip dysplasia may eventually need a hip replacement.

Resources and support

You can seek out more information about hip dysplasia from:

• your doctor
• your physiotherapist
• Healthy Hips Australia
• International Hip Dysplasia Institute
• Arthritis Australia

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.