Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Adults

Hip dysplasia refers to congenital or developmental problems that cause hip instability and dislocation. Although it is often diagnosed in infancy, many people do not receive a proper diagnosis until later in life. Often, adult hip dysplasia is caused by a shallow hip socket. The shallow socket does not keep the top of the thighbone (femur) firmly in place. By allowing the femur joint to move, it is prone to dislocation. Dislocations may be partial or complete, and both types will cause pain and long-term joint damage.

Signs of Adult Hip Dysplasia

Most of the hip dysplasia seen in infants can be corrected during childhood. For some adults, these dysplasia corrections were insufficient, allowing for ongoing joint damage. In other people, the hip dysplasia is mild, and they do not realize anything is wrong until their hip pain is chronic.

The pain caused by poorly shaped or shallow hips results from abnormal wear in the joint. The lining of the joint, called cartilage, helps the two bones in the joint glide smoothly. It also prevents the two bones from touching each other, and it provides some cushioning. When the joint does not fit together properly, the cartilage wears out faster. Unfortunately, the body doesn’t regrow cartilage. Once it is gone, pain, stiffness and other mobility issues occur.

The first signs of adult hip dysplasia often appear in teenagers, but may not be significant until adulthood. The common signs of hip dysplasia are:

• Hip pain that increases with activity
• Limping, with or without pain
• Hip pain during the night
• Aching hip muscles
• Snapping or popping in the hip joint
• Locking of the hip joint

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia

It can take many years to receive a proper diagnosis of hip dysplasia. It is crucial to visit a medical professional who specializes in joint conditions. They can often diagnose your hip dysplasia faster and treat your condition sooner. Earlier treatment can prevent further joint damage. As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kabaei at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA uses innovative techniques to treat hip dysplasia in adults and children. If you have ongoing hip pain, contact the office today to book a consultation.