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Hip Dysplasia

OrthoHouston Our Services Hip Dysplasia

OrthoHouston

Pediatric Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, & Scoliosis Specialist located in Sugar Land, TX & Katy, TX servicing the greater Houston, TX area

Hip dysplasia, or hip instability, occurs when your hip socket doesn’t completely cover the ball or top part of your upper thigh bone. Because untreated hip dysplasia can lead to limping, poor hip flexibility, and hip joint injuries, you or your child can receive comprehensive care at the office in Sugar Land, Texas, and Katy, Texas. He also welcomes patients from Houston and surrounding areas. Though hip dysplasia is most commonly diagnosed and treated in infancy, sometimes, it can linger on into adolescence or adulthood. In any case, if you’re struggling with hip dysplasia, book an exam online, or call the clinic directly to schedule.

Hip Dysplasia Q & A

What causes hip dysplasia? 

Hip dysplasia usually stems from hormonal changes in infancy that relax ligaments for easier childbirth for both baby and mom. Your baby’s chances of having hip dysplasia are higher due to:

  • Being in a breech position
  • Having a family history of hip dysplasia 
  • Being firstborn, since there’s less space in the womb
  • Being female, because girls have more ligament laxity

But infant screening only detects about 10% of hip dysplasia that later becomes arthritis in adults. Because of this, undiagnosed and therefore untreated hip dysplasia can linger on well into adolescence and even into adulthood.

How do I know if I have hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia symptoms can vary depending on the age group. In infants, for example, you may notice that one of your baby’s legs are longer or that one hip seems less flexible during diaper changes. As your child gets older, they may limp while walking. 

In adolescents and adults, hip dysplasia can lead to:

  • Difficulty lifting a leg or decreased flexibility
  • Snapping in or around your hip joint
  • Chronic hip or groin pain 

Without proper treatment, hip dysplasia can lead to a labral (cartilage) tear or even osteoarthritis. If you notice any warning signs of hip dysplasia in your child, or if your pediatrician recommends a hip dysplasia evaluation, you can expect comprehensive care from the Doctors. 

What is the treatment for hip dysplasia?

Treating hip dysplasia in babies often involves placing them in a soft brace called a Pavlik harness. This brace keeps your baby’s hip joint firmly in the socket for several months, so the socket better molds to the ball at the top of the thigh bone. 

If your little one is over the age of six months, the Doctors could recommend a full-body cast to hold the bones in the proper position. Sometimes though, surgical correction is necessary for babies, children, or adolescents. This procedure is known as a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

Or if you’re an adult suffering from arthritic damage due to hip dysplasia, you may be a candidate for a total or partial hip replacement. Rest assured, no matter which hip dysplasia is right for you or your child, our Doctors care for you and talk with you about everything you should expect along the way.

Learn more about modern hip dysplasia treatments by booking an evaluation at the office today. Schedule either online or over the phone.

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