What You Should Know About Hip Dysplasia in Adolescents
To understand hip dysplasia, it is important to understand the anatomy of the hip. The hip joint fits together like a ball and socket. In a normal hip, the ball at the top of the femur fits into the curved part of the pelvis. However, in adolescents with hip dysplasia, the hip joint may not have developed normally.
source: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/adolescent-hip-dysplasia/
Most often, the pelvis is shallow and does not support the head of the femur. It can result in pain and sometimes the early development of arthritis as the cartilage in the joint wears away, and bone grinds upon bone.
It is usually present at birth and early childhood, known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Sometimes the condition remains undetected until adolescence.
In severe cases, orthopedic specialists may recommend surgery. Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center is experienced in the procedure so your child can find relief from pain and limit further damage caused by DDH.
When is Surgery Needed for Hip Dysplasia?
Orthopedic specialists may recommend surgery if the adolescent has significant pain with minor damage to the cartilage in the hip.
The surgical procedure often used is an osteotomy, where the doctor reshapes the bone and socket surface, so the joint fits into a normal position.
Different types of osteotomies are performed dependent on certain factors, including:
- The age of the child
- Number of remaining growing years
- If osteoarthritis is present
- The severity of hip dysplasia
- Damage to the labrum
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Hip Dysplasia Surgery?
You can expect your adolescent to remain in the hospital for approximately 2-4 days after surgery for monitoring and pain management.
Full weight-bearing is usually not advisable until 6-12 weeks after the procedure so the bones can heal in the new position. Mobility devices such as crutches are used so the adolescent can still move around and remain out of bed.
When Can You Walk After Hip Dysplasia Surgery?
At follow-up visits, the surgeon will take x-rays to monitor progress in healing after the surgery. It helps them determine when it is safe to bear weight on the leg and when physical therapy can start. Physical therapy is an essential tool to improve range of motion, restore strength, and improve flexibility in the joint after surgery.
How Successful is Hip Dysplasia Surgery?
Our orthopedic surgery center has a high success rate for hip dysplasia surgery. Often the pain is minimalized, and mobility is re-established once the adolescent has recovered.
In the rare case that the surgery is not successful, an artificial hip joint may be needed at some point, especially if osteoarthritis has already developed. Our orthopedic specialists carefully monitor patients after surgery to ensure the appropriate interventions are utilized to avoid additional invasive procedures.
Does Your Child have Hip Dysplasia? You Can Trust Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center for Their Care
Who are we at Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center? We are the largest and most modern ambulatory surgery center in Eastern North Carolina. Our clinic specializes exclusively in orthopaedic procedures.
Our outpatient surgery center in the triangle is committed to providing you with world-class services during your treatment. Your care will at all times be physician-directed and patient-focused. We pride ourselves in providing the best in patient satisfaction, superior clinical outcomes, along with reduced costs to patients.
For more information, do not hesitate to reach out to us at 919-719-3070!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
