Overview

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly, causing the ball of the thigh bone to fit loosely or incompletely into the hip socket. This abnormal joint alignment can affect infants, children, and adults, leading to instability, pain, and early joint wear.

In babies, hip dysplasia may be present at birth or develop during early growth. In adults, untreated childhood dysplasia or abnormal joint development can result in pain, limping, and early osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to prevent long-term joint damage.

At Sarvodaya Hospital,  our highly experienced orthopaedic doctors in Faridabad offer comprehensive hip dysplasia treatment, including conservative care, corrective surgery, and minimally invasive treatments for hip replacement when required.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

• Uneven leg length
•   Limited movement in one leg
•   Clicking or popping sounds during hip movement
•   Asymmetrical skin folds on thighs or buttocks
•   Hip or groin pain, especially during activity
•   Limping or abnormal walking pattern
•   Reduced hip flexibility
•   Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or exercise
   Early signs of hip arthritis in young adults

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

•   Improper hip joint development during infancy
•   Family history of hip dysplasia
•   Breech birth position
•   Tight swaddling of infants
•   Shallow hip socket formation
•   Abnormal joint stress during growth
•   Untreated childhood hip instability

Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia

Accurate diagnosis is essential for assessing hip dysplasia severity, planning timely hip dysplasia surgery, preventing long-term joint damage, and achieving improved mobility and functional outcomes for patients.

• Clinical Examination: Clinical examination evaluates hip stability, leg length difference, range of motion, posture, and gait abnormalities to identify signs of hip dysplasia.

• Ultrasound (Infants): Ultrasound is the primary imaging test in infants, used to assess hip joint development and detect instability early.

• X-rays: X-rays are used in older children and adults to evaluate hip alignment, socket depth, joint shape, and degenerative changes.

• MRI Scan: MRI scan provides detailed assessment of cartilage, labrum, and early joint damage in selected hip dysplasia cases.
  
  

Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia

• Non-Surgical Management (Infants) – Use of braces or harnesses to guide proper hip development.

• Physiotherapy – Strengthens surrounding muscles, improves joint stability, and reduces pain in mild cases.

• Corrective Hip Surgery – Performed to realign the hip joint and improve socket coverage in children and young adults.

• Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery – Recommended in adults with advanced joint damage, offering reduced pain, less blood loss, and quicker return to mobility.
  
  

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications for Hip Dysplasia

While not all cases can be prevented, timely evaluation and care at Sarvodaya, the best orthopedic hospitals in India help reduce complications and support better long-term outcomes.

• Early Screening in Newborns: Early screening in newborns helps detect hip instability promptly, enabling timely intervention that guides proper joint development and reduces long-term complications and need for surgery.

• Proper Infant Swaddling Techniques: Proper infant swaddling techniques allow natural hip movement, prevent forced leg extension, support healthy joint development, and lower the risk of hip dysplasia complications later.

• Maintaining Healthy Body Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces stress on hip joints, supports balanced movement, and helps prevent early joint degeneration associated with hip dysplasia over time.

• Avoiding Excessive Joint Stress: Avoiding excessive joint stress during daily activities helps protect hip structures, prevents worsening instability, and reduces pain or mobility limitations in hip dysplasia patients long-term.

• Strengthening Hip and Core Muscles: Strengthening hip and core muscles improves joint stability, supports proper alignment, reduces strain on hips, and enhances functional movement in hip dysplasia during daily activities.

• Regular Orthopaedic Follow-Ups: Regular orthopaedic follow-ups enable early detection of joint changes, timely treatment adjustments, monitoring of hip development, and prevention of long-term complications in children and adults.

Pre–Post Surgery / Treatment Lifestyle Modifications for Hip Dysplasia

Pre-Treatment / Pre-Surgery Care

• Activity modification to reduce hip joint stress
• Medication review to optimise treatment safety
• Physiotherapy guidance to improve strength and mobility
• Weight optimisation for better surgical outcomes
  
  

Post-Treatment / Post-Surgery Care

• Weight-bearing restrictions as advised
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy to restore movement
• Medication adherence for pain and inflammation control
• Gradual return to daily activities
• Regular follow-up monitoring to assess joint recovery