For proper hip function, the socket should fully cover the femur’s ball part. Hip dysplasia occurs when this joint doesn’t develop correctly. In such cases, the socket doesn’t entirely encase the femur’s ball, resulting in instability and pain. Although doctors often address hip dysplasia in infants, symptoms might not arise until adolescence.
The exact cause of hip dysplasia remains unclear, although it has a familial tendency. Despite lacking a precise genetic marker, it’s observed more in girls and first-born children. Symptoms can emerge during adolescence or early adulthood due to substantial changes in the ball-and-socket shape during the growth’s final stages.
Over time, hip dysplasia can lead to:
At Saudi German Hospital, We have skilled orthopaedic surgeons that stand out as a leading surgeons in UAE for advanced hip preservation surgeries. Our skilled team, including radiologists and physical therapists, collaborates to diagnose and address hip dysplasia in young individuals. We provide opportunities for involvement in clinical trials and research, enhancing our approach to hip disorder treatment. This ensures early access to pioneering treatments for hip dysplasia.
Hip pain is prevalent among teenagers and young adults with dysplasia, particularly worsening during activities like walking and running. Active participation in sports can exacerbate the strain on the hip joint, which is already affected by dysplasia. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in teens and young adults encompass:
Our process commences with a medical history review and a thorough physical examination. For confirming hip dysplasia, we might request noninvasive imaging, including:
Our initial approach centers on non-surgical remedies for hip dysplasia, including:
Should your child endure pain and possess limited articular cartilage damage in their hip, the physician might suggest surgery. The prevailing surgical method for treating hip dysplasia is an osteotomy, involving bone reshaping and reorientation of the acetabulum and/or femur. This aligns the joint surfaces more naturally.
Diverse osteotomy types address hip dysplasia, selected based on factors such as your child’s age, dysplasia severity, labrum damage, presence of osteoarthritis, and remaining growth years.
The initial indication of hip dysplasia in adolescents or young adults commonly manifests as hip pain and/or a limp. Typically felt in the groin or hip side, the pain intensifies during activity and eases with rest. Often, a catching, snapping, or popping sensation accompanies activity-related pain. Due to potential delays in diagnosis, individuals might consult multiple orthopedic surgeons and experience prolonged symptoms. If hip pain worsens inexplicably, seeking a second opinion is advisable.
In due course, surgery becomes necessary for most individuals with hip dysplasia to enhance hip support. In early arthritis stages stemming from hip dysplasia, partial cartilage preservation allows for hip preservation surgery, realigning the joint.
This realignment positions the remaining joint surface more favorably for bearing weight. Medical professionals often liken the joint surface to tire tread that diminishes over time due to use. Similar to tire balance affecting tread wear, realignment can extend the joint’s longevity, analogous to rotating tires before complete wear, ensuring better tread endurance.
Hip dysplasia in teenagers arises from abnormal hip joint development, with potential detection shortly after birth or during later stages, categorized as adolescent hip dysplasia (AHD).
A well-functioning hip joint involves proper fitting of the femur’s ball (top) within the pelvic socket. Dysplasia emerges when this fitting goes awry, inducing discomfort and, when unaddressed, potentially culminating in early arthritis.
In essence, the current detection approaches prove insufficient. Norway, operating under socialized healthcare, embraced comprehensive screening four decades ago, including ultrasound screening introduced three decades ago. In 2008, Norwegian researchers examined hip replacements in young individuals, revealing that 92% of adolescent dysplasia cases went undetected during childhood.
This is disheartening for doctors, as their diligent efforts fell short in identifying childhood hip dysplasia. The issue lies in the methods, not the doctors themselves. It’s increasingly evident that dysplasia can emerge post-infancy, necessitating broader adoption of preventive measures.
Misdiagnosis of hip dysplasia frequently occurs due to the necessity for X-rays in specific positions. The average delay in accurate diagnosis spans 3 years, as these diagnostic methods are relatively novel to many doctors. If you suspect hip dysplasia and your pain’s origin remains unclear, seeking a second opinion is prudent. We’ve also provided potential questions to ask your doctor, aiding in gauging their familiarity with hip dysplasia.
Untreated hip dysplasia in adolescents worsens, eventually necessitating total joint replacement. While exercises and anti-inflammatory medications might offer temporary pain relief, the definitive remedy involves realigning the hip joint to distribute joint surface pressures across a broader area. This necessitates surgery before the joint surface deteriorates irreversibly.
Some doctors might suggest enduring the pain, yet this isn’t usually the optimal advice for dysplasia-induced pain. Early hip preservation surgery can delay artificial joint replacement, particularly for individuals under 50. Opting for total hip replacement should be avoided when feasible, as success rates are lower in young patients compared to those over 50.
It’s a common query without a definitive answer, as each individual’s situation varies. Opting between preserving the natural hip or total hip replacement hinges mainly on age, dysplasia severity, and expected post-surgery activity level. Your doctor is the ideal source for personalized guidance. If your doctor specializes in total hips and lacks PAO surgery experience, seeking a second opinion from a qualified PAO surgeon is advisable. Similarly, if your doctor primarily treats children and young adolescents but rarely performs total hip replacements, consulting a total hip surgeon might be valuable.
PAO yields best outcomes for those under 35 with good ball-and-socket alignment. Total hip replacements excel for those over 45, willing to curtail activities to extend artificial hip durability. Orthopedic surgeons often aim to preserve the natural hip if the adequate joint surface remains and the person is under 40-45. Displaced hips with thin joint surfaces often lead to total hip replacement, particularly after 45. The in-between years depend on existing joint damage.
PAO surgery offers success, restoring full activities and delaying replacement over a decade for 85%, and potentially two decades for some. Though successful, total hip replacements pose challenges in younger individuals who tend to disregard post-surgery restrictions after feeling better. Increased wear and replacements stem from longer lifespans and heightened activity levels.
Subsequent replacements involve more bone removal, complicating the procedure and elevating infection risks. Total hip replacement complications rise with each subsequent surgery. However, age becomes secondary when joint surfaces are worn out, necessitating a total hip replacement. Remember, your doctor can assess your hip’s condition and recommend the optimal choice between PAO surgery and total hip replacement.