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What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia arises when the bones in your hip joint do not fit correctly.

Most cases of hip dysplasia occur in infants and young children, but mild forms can also occur in adults. Doctors sometimes refer to hip dysplasia in newborns as congenital hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). All of these names sometimes refer to the condition.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

The hip should be treated immediately to prevent joint damage, reduce pain, and maintain hip function. An improved quality of life and a reduced need for more invasive surgeries in the future can result from early intervention to prevent issues such as arthritis or joint dislocation.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?

There are few Common symptoms of hip dysplasia include

Hip Pain: Pain in the outer thigh, groin, or hip, especially while walking, standing, or sitting for a long time.

Stiffness: Being unable to move the hip joint easily or with freedom.

Limping: A limp is an abnormal gait, especially when running or walking.

Clicking or popping sounds: sounds in the hip joint during movement.

Instability: The feeling of the hip joint "giving way" or feeling unstable, especially during activities.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hip Dysplasia

Causes

Genetics: Hip dysplasia is more common in families with a history of the condition.

Abnormal development: A malformed or shallow hip socket may arise from the malformation of the hip joint in the pregnancy.

Pregnancy Positioning: Babies who are born breech, that is, feet or buttocks first, have a higher chance of hip dysplasia.

Risk Factors

  • Gender
  • Family History
  • Breech Birth
  • Firstborn Children
  • Excessive Swaddling

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Hip Dysplasia Prevention Tips

Hip dysplasia cannot always be avoided but can be decreased through early discovery and proper treatment. Appropriate prenatal care, tight swaddling, and placing babies on their tummies can also help.

Babies need early screening to treat problems promptly, especially if they have risk factors. Adults can also take control of hip health by keeping a healthy weight and attending regular check-ups. Hip dysplasia can be minimised by timely detection and adequate treatment.

Treatment options for Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia Treatment: Depending on its degree, hip dysplasia typically is managed through physical therapy, pain control, or surgery. In the worst cases, hip replacement or correctional surgery can improve the function of the joints.


Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 5500Explore Options

Total-hip-replacement-bl: total hip replacement (THR) in hip dysplasia is to restore mobility and alleviate pain by replacing an artificial hip for the affected one. When conservative treatment fails or joint destruction is severe, it is usually recommended.


Cost Start From USD 9000 - USD 10500Explore Options

Osteotomy: With osteotomy to treat hip dysplasia, the hip bone is altered to enhance alignment and joint function; this is typically done on younger patients to delay or prevent hip replacement surgery.


Cost Start From USD 3500 - USD 4500Explore Options

  • Clinical assessment:

Physical Examination: The healthcare professional looks for any obvious indication of joint pain or swelling around the hip region and any malformation near it, such as a limp or uneven leg length.

Range-of-motiontests: The physician estimates the range of motion by measuring how much the leg can twist, extend, or rotate. Hip mobility limitations, such as pain and restricted range of motion, commonly manifest as dysplasia symptoms.

Stability Tests: The Ortolani and Barlow tests are usually done in babies diagnosed with hip dysplasia to assess joint stability and detect dislocations. The FABER (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation) test can be applied to adults to examine hip joint instability and pain.

  • Imaging Tests:

X-rays are essential for detecting abnormal bone formation, misalignment, and joint space narrowing.

MRIScans: MRI can provide fine pictures of the soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and cartilage. This would allow medical practitioners to determine the extent of damage or degeneration to the hip joint.

Ultrasound: Neonates and early infants are often assessed for hip joint stability, and ultrasound is used to identify soft tissue injuries, fluid collection, and joint inflammation. It is beneficial for early diagnosis before the bones have entirely ossified.

  • Other diagnostic:

Walking and Weight-Bearing Examination: This includes determining the degree to which the patient can bear their weight on the affected hip joint. A healthcare provider assesses signs of pain, inappropriate weight-bearing, or limping by observing the patient's posture and gait.

Hip dysplasia can affect muscle function and joint stability, so a balance test helps assess neuromuscular control. This is particularly crucial in adults because the illness can cause joint instability, discomfort, and impaired balance.

Physical therapy: Specific exercises to enhance joint stability, flexibility, and strength in the hip muscles.

Stretching: Mild stretches promote more significant movement and comfort by increasing hip flexibility and reducing stiffness.

StrengtheningExercises: To enhance support for the hip joint, focus on strengthening your glutes, core, and hip abductors.

Low-Impact Activities: Low-impact exercises that do not put a lot of stress on the hips, such as swimming or cycling, can keep you fit.

Posture and Gait Training: A physical therapist may guide posture and walking techniques to reduce hip stress and improve movement.

Pain Management Techniques: In rehabilitation, ultrasound and ice/heat therapy can help manage pain and swelling.

  • Depending on the severity of the condition, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

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Hospitals for Hip Dysplasia in India

Aster CMI Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Aster CMI Hospital

Bangalore, India

Aster CMI Hospital located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Around 500 bed capacity
  • Primary care to Quaternary care services
  • Outpatient and inpatient departments
  • Day care center for small children
  • Availability of Surgical suites
  • Intensive Care Units
  • 24-hour Emergency and Trauma Care
  • Emergency Unit especially for children
  • Newly launched the Lung and Heart Transplant Centre
  • Video Consultation with doctors available on GraphMyHealth
  • A specialised Aster Center of Excellence for Women & Children
  • Latest Minimally Invasive Procedures being performed
  • Safe Interventional Procedures
  • Control of Infection protocols are strictly followed
  • Aster Holistic Collaborative Care: Aster Palliative Care for lowering suffering if critically ill patients, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster Wellness, Psychology, Chronic Pain Management, Nutrition & Dietetic, Podiatry Care etc.
  • 11 Centers of Excellence
  • An academics focus with BSc Program, MEM Program, Pediatric Fellowship Program
  • A streamlined International patient care center with dedicated services and technology enabled processes
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali

Ghaziabad, India

  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, is a leading multi-speciality hospital with 387+ beds and 37+ clinical specialities, offering advanced care in Cardiology, Neuro Sciences, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Transplants, Gastroenterology, and Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Supported by 389+ doctors and 1038+ trained staff, the hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, including robotic surgery and advanced imaging systems, with compassionate, patient-centred care.
  • Accredited by NABH and NABL, Max Vaishali is a trusted destination for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality, integrated medical services.
MGM Healthcare: Top Doctors, and Reviews
MGM Healthcare

Chennai, India

There are a wide variety of healthcare facilities and specialized, targeted treatments provided by MGM HealthCare. Some of its most prominent services are listed below:

Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support:  Well renowned for having the third-highest number of heart transplants in a year (102) and also the successful completion of several other transplant surgeries and cardiac surgeries.

Cardiac Sciences: They offer a variety of screening tests and facilities including Tilt Table Test, Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting, CT Angiography, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Stress Echocardiogram, Cardiac Stress Test and Cardiac Catheterisation.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology: They provide all services to ensure a woman’s well-being. Some of the services offered are Menstrual Cramps Treatment, Colposcopy, Myomectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, Breastfeeding Support, Ovarian Cyst Removal, Menopause Management, Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC), and Menorrhagia Treatment.

Orthopedics: Bilateral Knee Replacement, Total hip Replacement, and Knee Arthroscopy are all the procedures that are offered in this department.

Liver Transplantation: An exceptionally skilled team of professionals who have performed over 4,000 liver transplant surgeries and an operation theatre and ICU specifically dedicated to HBP surgery is available at the patient’s disposal.

Emergency Medicine: MGM Healthcare has a fully functioning facility dedicated to emergency medicine that operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. 

Oncology: The patients will be in the safe hands of well-trained medical personnel qualified in the field of oncology and specialize in procedures like Bowel resection surgery, Biopsy, Lumpectomy, Liver Resection Surgery, Lung Cancer resection surgery, Lymph Node Surgery, and Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. They also provide cancer treatments like Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Targeted Therapy.

Anaesthesiology and SICU: They specialize in the field of local, general and regional anesthesia and work to assist doctors during surgical procedures.

Neurosciences and Spine: The doctors in this department handle difficult procedures like Brain Tumour Surgery, Spine Reconstructive Surgery, Neuro Surgeries, and Spine Surgeries with the utmost ease and professionalism. They also have a specific area dedicated to Neuroanaesthesia and NeuroCritical Care.

Do visit the environment-friendly medical facility in Chennai and experience medical excellence.

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Why Choose India for Hip Dysplasia Treatment?

India has highly qualified orthopaedic doctors and state-of-the-art medical facilities at reasonable prices. Hip dysplasia treatment is highly sought after in the country. With modern technology, shorter waiting times than most Western nations, and hospitals approved by the Western world, patients can receive excellent care for a fraction of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the seriousness of the disease and the symptoms a person is experiencing, hip dysplasia can indeed be treated non-surgically. Here are a few possibilities for non-surgical treatment:

Physical Therapy can provide exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint, lessen pain and increase flexibility.

Medication: Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to treat more severe symptoms.

Weightloss reduces pressure on the hips, which might treat symptoms, especially when the cause is obesity.

Hip dysplasia surgery can be highly effective if done relatively early and depending on the degree of progression. Younger individuals can be less uncomfortable and avoid further damage by having the hip socket realigned using procedures such as periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). In much worse situations, total hip replacement (THR) significantly improves functions and reduces pain.

Hip dysplasia can affect any age group. It is commonly diagnosed in infants and treated with bracing. It may cause children to limp or have difficulty walking. It can occur later in young adults, necessitating surgeries like periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). If not treated, hip dysplasia in older individuals leads to arthritis, which is often treated with total hip replacement (THR).

Yes, hip dysplasia can cause arthritis to develop over time. The condition causes a shallow or improperly formed hip socket, which causes uneven wear on the cartilage. This additional stress on the cartilage may lead to degeneration, inflammation, and, finally, arthritis because the joint becomes unstable. This is common in individuals with decades of undiagnosed or poorly treated hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia can sometimes run in families. If one or more family members have the disorder, the chances of developing an increased hip joint are generally increased because of genetics; some inherited features may contribute to misalignment.

Hip dysplasia can impair mobility by causing pain, stiffness, and instability in the hip joint. The joint's misalignment causes abnormal cartilage wear and tear, resulting in a reduced range of motion and discomfort during movement. This can make walking, running, climbing stairs, or even sitting for long periods difficult.

Yes, hip dysplasia can be diagnosed in infants, usually during routine checks shortly after birth. Paediatricians use physical exams, including the Ortolani and Barlow tests, to check for hip instability. If there is a suspicion, an ultrasound may confirm the diagnosis. Early detection is essential because the condition can be effectively treated with non-invasive methods, like a Pavlik harness, if addressed in the first few months of life, preventing long-term complications.

Untreated hip dysplasia can cause long-term effects such as stiffness, arthritis, and chronic discomfort as the joint experiences abnormal wear and tear. Eventually, it can significantly reduce mobility by causing joint instability, resulting in limping or trouble moving. In extreme situations, untreated dysplasia can cause joint deformity, requiring more invasive procedures such as hip replacement. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid these problems.

Recovery time varies from procedure to procedure. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is 6 to 12 months, crutches for the first 6 weeks and a gradual return to activity. Total Hip Replacement (THR) is typically 3 to 6 months for initial recovery, with complete healing and rehabilitation taking up to a year. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the strengthening and mobility processes during recovery.

Indeed, hip dysplasia may recur after treatment, especially if it is not fully resolved or if it is not treated early. In some cases, arthritis or instability can occur due to the continued deterioration of the hip joint over time. Adults with untreated or partially treated hip dysplasia when they were younger are more prone to this. However, with proper therapy, such as total hip replacement (THR) or periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), the risk of recurrence is significantly reduced, and most patients remain symptom-free in the long term.

Healthy weight maintenance to reduce joint stress, low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling, and strengthening the hip muscles to increase stability can all be considered in managing hip dysplasia. Regular stretching, better posture and gait, and avoiding high-impact activities can also help control pain, prevent further problems, and enhance hip function.