Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition that results in the hip joint being misaligned or deformed.

Dysplasia occurs most commonly among infants and very young children, but it can also occur in adolescents and teens as a result of the way the hip grows. Adults can also suffer from hip dysplasia, especially if they’ve had multiple surgeries when younger.

What causes hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops in an abnormal way that can result in frequent dislocation and other joint function issues.

In a hip joint that develops normally, the top part of the thigh bone (the femur) sits inside the cup-shaped portion of the hip joint, called the acetabulum.

The underlying cause of hip dysplasia hasn’t been identified, but there is some evidence genetic factors may cause the congenital (present at birth) defect that results in hip dysplasia.

Some studies have also pointed to improper swaddling techniques used during infancy that place abnormal and excessive pressures on the joint during its critical early growth and development phase.

People who have hip dysplasia typically exhibit signs like an outward turning or other abnormal positioning of the affected hip and decreased range of motion in the affected hip, as well as issues like leg length discrepancy and uneven skin folds in the thigh or buttock associated with the affected hip.

This snug fit ensures the joint can move normally, enjoying a free and complete range of motion without pain and friction and without becoming dislocated. In hip dysplasia, the joint structures are malformed, and this “snug fit” is not achieved.

As a result, the femur head can easily “pop out” of the acetabulum, resulting in painful dislocations and problems with mobility.

Patients who have hip dysplasia are more likely to develop arthritis of the hip as they get older, especially if frequent corrective surgeries cause marked skeletal changes and soft tissue scarring which can act to restrict normal movement of the joint.

How is hip dysplasia treated?

While hip dysplasia diagnosed early in young children or infants can sometimes be treated with special orthopedic approaches, when the condition persists or when adults have symptoms as a result of the condition or previous surgeries, hip replacement surgery is the most common and effective option to relieve pain and restore function and stability in the joint.

During hip replacement surgery, the upper portion of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a strong prosthetic that features a ball-shaped end. The cup-shaped acetabulum is also restored, and in some cases, a bone graft procedure is also performed to “rebuild” the upper portion of the socket.

Why choose Dr. Karkare for hip replacement surgery?

Dr. Karkare is a leading orthopedic surgeon in New York City and throughout Long Island, with offices in Manhattan, Bayside, Lindenhurst, Centereach, Riverhead and Patchogue.

With extensive experience in both traditional and novel joint replacement techniques, Dr. Karkare provides the highest-quality care based on the unique needs of each patient for optimal outcomes following surgery.

If you’re experiencing problems related to hip dysplasia or if you have other joint-related issues, call 516-735-4032 and schedule your evaluation today.



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