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Consult our MOH-accredited hip dysplasia specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis of your condition & a personalised treatment plan.
Hip dysplasia in adults is a condition where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone. This partial coverage can lead to joint problems. The prevalence of hip dysplasia varies, but it is recognized as a significant cause of hip osteoarthritis in adults. The condition can lead to pain and mobility issues.
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The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, one of the largest joints in the human body. It plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s weight and allowing for a wide range of movement. The key components of the hip joint include the femur (thighbone), specifically the femoral head which forms the ball part of the joint, and the acetabulum, a cup-shaped socket in the pelvic bone.
The femoral head fits into the acetabulum, creating a joint that allows for significant mobility while being stable. The surfaces of both the femoral head and the acetabulum are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth tissue that cushions the bones and enables them to move easily. Surrounding the joint is a complex arrangement of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that provide additional support and control the movements of the hip.
In a healthy hip, the femoral head and acetabulum align perfectly, allowing for smooth, pain-free movement. In cases of hip dysplasia, this alignment is disrupted, leading to issues with joint stability and movement.
Adult hip dysplasia primarily originates from developmental issues that occur during the early stages of hip formation. While it can be diagnosed in infancy or childhood, in some cases, it remains undetected until adulthood. Several factors contribute to the development of hip dysplasia in adults:
Identifying hip dysplasia in adults at an early stage is crucial for effective management and treatment. The symptoms can vary in intensity and may develop gradually, making early detection challenging. Key symptoms include:
Early detection often involves a clinical examination by a healthcare professional, who may look for signs of hip dysplasia and assess the range of motion in the hip. If hip dysplasia is suspected, further diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, are typically recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.
Identifying hip dysplasia in adolescents or young adults typically begins with recognising specific symptoms, notably hip pain and/or a limp. The key points to consider are:
Self-diagnosis is not reliable. Professional medical evaluation is necessary to accurately diagnose hip dysplasia and differentiate it from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The diagnosis of adult hip dysplasia involves a series of steps to accurately assess the condition of the hip joint:
A healthcare professional conducts a physical examination to evaluate symptoms, hip mobility, and joint alignment. This assessment includes observing the patient’s walk, range of motion in the hip, and checking for any discomfort or abnormal movements.
A thorough discussion of the patient’s medical history, including any previous hip problems, family history of hip dysplasia, and developmental milestones, provides important context for the diagnosis.
X-rays are the primary tool for diagnosing hip dysplasia. They provide clear images of the hip joint, showing the alignment of the femoral head and acetabulum, and any signs of joint wear or osteoarthritis.
In some cases, additional imaging methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans may be used to gain a more detailed view of the hip joint and surrounding tissues.
Referral to an orthopaedic specialist with experience in hip dysplasia is often part of the diagnostic process. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and discuss potential treatment options.
Non-surgical treatments may provide temporary relief, but they often do not offer a lasting solution, as the joint’s fundamental malformation remains unaddressed.
For adult hip dysplasia, various surgical interventions are available, each tailored to the specific needs of the patient based on the severity and progression of the condition:
Schedule An Appointment With Us
Consult our MOH-accredited hip dysplasia specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis of your condition & a personalised treatment plan.
MBBS
MRCSEd
MMED (Ortho)
FRCSEd
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Poh Seng Yew is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip, knee, shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine, and trauma surgery.
Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturdays: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Your symptoms shouldn’t affect your quality of life or disrupt daily activities. Reach out to our friendly clinic staff today & schedule a consultation.