Hip dysplasia in teens: what are the signs?

Hip dysplasia is a rare condition which, when undiagnosed, can have a detrimental on our daily lives. Mr Nigel Kiely, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and hip specialist, details the warning signs and treatment options available to anyone diagnosed with it.

What is hip dysplasia?

The hip is a ball and socket joint lined with cartilage. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket (acetabulum) is shallow, which means that the ball part of the hip joint (femoral head) is not fully covered by cartilage from the hip socket.

How common is it in teenagers?

This depends on how you define hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia can be assessed with x-rays and scans. In some people the hip can appear shallow on an X Ray but not cause symptoms, whereas in others you see very marginal shallowness. There is a range of hip shapes that differ amongst people, in much the same way as we all look different on the outside. So, hip dysplasia in teenagers that causes symptoms is relatively uncommon.

What are the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in teens?

Hip dysplasia in teenagers can cause symptoms of pain at the front side or back of the hip. The symptoms can come on with activity such as walking or running. There can also be associated symptoms of clicking, catching, locking or giving way. Sometimes people describe a feeling of tiredness in the hip after prolonged activity.

How is it diagnosed?

It is important to realize that some of the symptoms described above can be caused by other problems around the hip rather than hip dysplasia. Pain around the hip can also come from other parts of the body such as the back. To diagnose hip dysplasia that is causing symptoms requires an assessment, an examination and investigations including X-Rays and scans. We often request special X-ray views to diagnose hip dysplasia.

How is it treated?

depending on how severe the symptoms are and the appearances on X-rays, treatment ranges from advice and reassurance to surgery. Sometimes simple advice is needed such as avoiding activities that produce pain, weight loss, exercise and physiotherapy. Painkillers can also be used. The most common operation for hip dysplasia is known as a pelvic osteotomy. This is an operation where cuts are made around the hip socket in the pelvis so that the hip socket can be rotated into a better position. There are different variations of this operation. My preferred method is known as a periacetabular osteotomy or PAO, which is a major operation and has good results for treating hip pain.

What is the long-term outlook?

Although there are risks and complications that need to be considered before going ahead with such surgery, a PAO generally produces good pain relief and improvements of function. Rehabilitation after surgery is important to help improve recovery.

For further consultation on hip dysplasia, or any other hip-related condition, visit Mr Kiely’s Top Doctors profile, where you can request an appointment with him.