Hip Dysplasia: Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and Complications

Understand hip dysplasia, its symptoms, risk factors, causes, and complications from infancy to adulthood.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on
Understand hip dysplasia, its symptoms, risk factors, causes, and complications from infancy to adulthood.

Overview

Hip dysplasia is a medical condition where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone, causing the hip joint to be partially or fully dislocated. Most individuals with hip dysplasia are born with the condition, making it predominantly a congenital disorder. Early screening is crucial, as timely diagnosis in infancy enables effective treatment and prevents future complications. While mild cases may remain unnoticed until adolescence or young adulthood, untreated hip dysplasia can lead to significant joint damage and chronic pain.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). In hip dysplasia, the acetabulum is too shallow to secure the femoral head, resulting in instability. The poor fit increases the risk of partial or complete dislocation, and over time, the abnormal motion damages the cartilage and other soft tissues within the joint.
Hip dysplasia is sometimes referred to as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and can manifest as a spectrum, ranging from slight instability to complete dislocation. Although most cases are present at birth, symptoms may not appear until later in life, especially in milder forms.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia vary according to age and severity.

  • Infants:
    – One leg may appear longer than the other.
    – Limp develops once walking begins.
    – Reduced flexibility in one hip during diaper changes.
    Regular screening is essential, as some infants display subtle symptoms only detectable through clinical examination.
  • Children:
    – Limping or abnormal gait.
    – Decreased mobility or reluctance to walk.
    – Limited movement in one leg.
  • Teenagers and Young Adults:
    – Groin pain, especially during physical activities.
    – Sensation of instability in the hip.
    – Activity-related discomfort and clicking sensations due to labral tears.
    – Potential development of osteoarthritis leading to joint stiffness.

Some individuals may remain symptom-free until adolescence or adulthood, at which point damage to cartilage or labrum may become apparent, often causing pain while walking, running, or pivoting.

Causes

At birth, the hip joint is largely composed of soft cartilage. The femoral head and acetabulum must fit together properly to allow them to act as molds for each other during development. If the ball is not tightly seated in the socket, the acetabulum fails to deepen adequately, resulting in a shallow socket.

  • Fetal Development: During the final month of pregnancy, reduced space in the womb can force the femoral head out of proper alignment. This is especially likely in cases of breech presentation (when the baby is positioned feet-first), first pregnancies (due to less relaxed uterine muscles), and larger babies.
  • Genetics: Hip dysplasia tends to be more common in certain families, suggesting a genetic component to its development.
  • Environmental Factors: Tightly swaddling babies with hips and knees straight may increase the risk, as it restricts natural hip movement needed for development.

While the condition often starts during fetal development, it may progress or become apparent as children grow, influenced by both inherited and environmental factors.

Risk Factors

  • Family History: A close family member with hip dysplasia increases the likelihood of occurrence in offspring.
  • Gender: The condition is more prevalent in girls than boys, with studies indicating up to 80% of affected children are female.
  • Breech Birth: Babies delivered in the breech position have increased risk due to abnormal hip positioning.
  • Tight Swaddling: Restrictive swaddling that keeps hips and knees straight is associated with greater risk.
  • Firstborn Infants: First pregnancies typically present higher risk due to less uterine stretching and space.
Primary Risk Factors for Hip Dysplasia
Risk FactorAssociation
Female gender80% of cases
Breech positionSignificantly increased risk
Family historyGenetic predisposition
Firstborn childHigher odds
Tight swaddlingEnvironmental factor

Complications

If left untreated, hip dysplasia can lead to several significant complications:

  • Hip Labral Tear: Chronic instability and abnormal motion can tear the labrum, the soft cartilage rim around the socket, leading to hip pain and mechanical symptoms.
  • Osteoarthritis: Dysplastic hips have a smaller surface area for bearing weight, causing higher contact pressures and increased cartilage wear. Over time, this leads to early-onset osteoarthritis, marked by joint pain, stiffness, and disability.
  • Hip Dislocation: Instability increases the risk of partial or complete dislocation of the hip joint, sometimes even during routine activities in severe cases.
  • Reduced Mobility: Damage to cartilage and joint structures impairs movement and function, negatively impacting quality of life.

Diagnosis and Monitoring

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Health professionals routinely check for hip dysplasia in newborns during physical exams and well-baby visits. Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Physical examination to detect asymmetry, reduced flexibility, or limb length discrepancies.
  • Imaging tests such as ultrasound for infants and X-rays for older children and adults.

Timely intervention prevents further damage and promotes normal hip development.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid tightly swaddling infants with hips and legs straight. Leave room for natural movement.
  • Ensure regular well-baby exams and screenings for hip dysplasia, particularly in high-risk populations.
  • If you have a family history or risk factors, communicate these with your child’s healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How is hip dysplasia detected in babies?

A: Healthcare professionals routinely screen for hip dysplasia in newborns and infants during physical exams. If suspected, additional imaging such as ultrasound may be ordered. Early detection allows for use of a corrective soft brace that can properly seat the hip, promoting normal joint development.

Q: Can hip dysplasia develop later in life?

A: While most cases are congenital, mild forms of hip dysplasia may not present symptoms until adolescence or adulthood. Activities that place strain on the hip, such as sports, may trigger symptoms of instability or pain, especially after damage to joint cartilage or the labrum.

Q: What are the consequences of untreated hip dysplasia?

A: Untreated hip dysplasia leads to an increased risk of acetabular labral tears, premature osteoarthritis, chronic pain, reduced function, and possible full dislocation of the hip joint. These complications can result in disability if not managed promptly.

Q: Is surgery always required for hip dysplasia?

A: Surgery is reserved for severe cases that cannot be corrected with bracing or when hip dysplasia is diagnosed later in life after significant damage. Procedures may include realignment of bones to improve fit, repair of torn tissue, or in end-stage cases, total hip replacement.

Q: Are girls more likely to be affected?

A: Statistically, girls are much more likely to be affected by hip dysplasia, accounting for approximately 80% of cases, due to both genetic and environmental factors.

Key Takeaways

  • Hip dysplasia is often present at birth but may remain undiagnosed until later in life.
  • Symptoms vary by age, with infants typically showing asymmetry, reduced flexibility, or limb differences.
  • Major risk factors include family history, female gender, breech birth, firstborn status, and tight swaddling.
  • Untreated hip dysplasia can cause cartilage damage, labral tears, early osteoarthritis, and hip dislocation.
  • Routine screening and early intervention greatly improve outcomes.

References

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-dysplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20350209
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-dysplasia/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20350216
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-dysplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350214
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics/news/modern-approach-to-developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/mac-20538657
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0HWHx1XLMc
  6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17903-hip-dysplasia
  7. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-hip-dysplasia-when-is-surgery-required/
  8. https://www.kuh.ku.edu.tr/mayo-clinic-care-network/mayo-clinic-health-information-library/diseases-conditions/hip-dysplasia
  9. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-what-is-hip-preservation/
  10. https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20397705

Similar Articles

Morton’s Neuroma: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Athlete’s Foot: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Care

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Symptoms and Causes

Lactobacillus Acidophilus (Oral Route): Uses, Precautions, and Guidance

Typhoid Vaccine (Intramuscular Route): Uses, Precautions, and Guidance

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete