Hip dysplasia refers to a hip socket that does not completely cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone. This causes the hip joint to dislocate partially or fully. A majority of people with hip dysplasia experience this condition from birth.
Shortly after birth and during well-baby visits, doctors will assess newborns for signs of hip dysplasia. If this condition is detected in early infancy, a soft brace can typically address the issue.
In cases of mild hip dysplasia, the individual may not experience symptoms until they are in their teens or young adulthood. Hip dysplasia can lead to damage to the cartilage that lines the joint as well as the labrum (soft cartilage) that rims the socket portion of the hip joint. This is known as a labral tear.
Older children and young adults may require orthopedic surgery to position the bones into correct alignment for smooth movement of the joints.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by the successful board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides advanced treatments for the hip joint to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities in The Golden State.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia differ by age. The condition may manifest in infants as one leg being longer than the other. As a child starts to walk, they may develop a limp. The parent may notice that one hip is less flexible than the other during diaper changes.
Hip dysplasia can lead to painful complications such as a hip labral tear or osteoarthritis in teens and young adults. This can lead to groin pain while performing certain activities. Sometimes the patient may feel that the hip is unstable.
Diagnosis
At the time of the well-baby visits, the doctor will usually check for hip dysplasia by moving the baby’s legs in various positions to assess whether the hip joint fits together properly.
It can be challenging to diagnose mild cases of hip dysplasia, and they may not show any signs until young adulthood. The doctor may recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound or x-rays if they suspect hip dysplasia.
Causes
The hip joint is made of soft cartilage at birth which gradually hardens into bone. The ball and socket must fit together properly as they act as molds for each other. In case the ball is not seated firmly into the socket, the socket will not develop appropriately around the ball and will become too shallow.
In the last month of the pregnancy, the space within the womb can become increasingly crowded causing the ball of the hip joint to move out of its correct position. This may result in a shallower socket. The reduction in the amount of womb space may occur due to:
- Large baby
- First pregnancy
- Breech presentation
Risk Factors
Hip dysplasia tends to be genetic and is seen more commonly in girls. The risk of this condition is higher in infants born in the breech position or those with foot deformities.
Complications
Hip dysplasia can cause damage to the labrum (soft cartilage that rims the socket portion of the hip joint) later in life. This is known as a hip labral tear. It can also make the joint more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis.
This happens due to higher contact pressures over a smaller surface of the socket. In time, this erodes the smooth cartilage on the bones that enable them to glide properly against each other during joint movement.
Dr. Garabekyan’s Expertise
Being proficient in both hip arthroscopy and realignment osteotomies of the pelvis and upper femur (PAO/DFO), he provides a uniquely holistic approach to the treatment of hip dysplasia.
The judicious and cordial Dr. Garabekyan performs hip arthroscopy without a perineal post, enabling him to carry out simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy to minimize recovery time and get his patients back in the game faster.
Experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and other cities and suburbs in this area of the nation for hip joint treatments.
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
