Expert Hip Dysplasia Treatment in New Jersey
Hip dysplasia is an issue with the hip joint that can affect your ability to move and stay balanced. At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand how important it is to address this condition for a better quality of life. In our New Jersey Orthopedics division, we specialize in treating hip dysplasia. Our team dedicates itself to providing each patient with precise diagnoses and creating personalized treatment plans. We are experts in managing this challenging condition, ensuring our patients receive the best possible care.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint, causing it to form incorrectly. This condition can lead to the joint being unstable and painful. The hip is made up of a ball at the top of the thigh bone, which should fit snugly into the hip socket. In hip dysplasia, the socket is too shallow, and this causes the ball not to fit correctly. It might slip out a little or even completely. This problem can be a small or serious issue where the hip joint comes out of place. Hip dysplasia happens more often in women.
Hip Dysplasia Causes
When a baby is born, the soft cartilage in the hip joint gradually becomes bone as the baby grows. It is vital that the hip joint forms the right way. The hip has a ball (at the top of the thigh bone) and a socket. They need to fit together well, just like pieces of a puzzle. If the ball doesn't fit snugly into the socket, the socket might not develop properly and could end up being too shallow.
There are a few things that can make hip dysplasia more likely to happen, such as:
- Genetics. A family history of hip dysplasia increases the risk.
- Position in the womb. Certain fetal positions can exert pressure on the developing hip joint.
- Gender. Females are more susceptible to hip dysplasia.
- Birth weight and type. Larger babies and those born in the breech position face a higher risk.
Hip Dysplasia Symptoms
People with hip dysplasia, no matter their age, may experience:
- Pain in the groin. This pain typically increases with activity.
- Limping. A noticeable limp, especially after prolonged activity or upon waking.
- Catching, snapping or popping sensation. This can occur during movement of the hip.
- Loss of range of motion. Difficulty moving the hip joint normally may affect walking or other movements.
- Difficulty sleeping on the hip. Discomfort or pain when lying on the affected side.
Types of Hip Dysplasia We Treat
Types of hip dysplasia we treat include:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip. Often detected in infants and young children, this condition requires early intervention.
- Adult hip dysplasia. This can lead to arthritis and chronic pain.
We also treat complications associated with hip dysplasia, including labral tears, cartilage damage, and limited range of motion.
Pediatric Hip Dysplasia Symptoms
Parents might notice that one of their baby's legs is longer than the other. A baby with hip dysplasia could also have one hip that is not as flexible as the other, which you can see during diaper changes. Skin folds in the groin may look asymmetric. When babies with hip dysplasia start to walk, they might limp.
Pediatric Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis
When a baby is examined immediately after birth, and a new parent takes it for health checkups, doctors look for hip dysplasia. They do this by moving the baby's legs in different ways and performing specific tests to see if the hip joint fits together correctly. Finding hip dysplasia in babies early is important so doctors can start treating it as soon as possible.
Pediatric Hip Dysplasia Treatment
For milder cases, treatments may include physical therapy and special bracing or casting to hold the hip in the joint socket. When nonsurgical methods are insufficient or the hip joint is significantly misaligned, your doctor may recommend surgical interventions. These can include:
- Open reduction. Children may require open reduction to put the hip back in the socket.
- Periacetabular osteotomy/hip osteotomy. This open surgery reorients the hip socket to improve femoral head coverage, which is particularly effective for dysplastic (shallow) hips.
Adult Hip Dysplasia Symptoms
Hip dysplasia can cause serious problems in teenagers and young adults, like osteoarthritis or tears in the hip labrum (the rim of the hip socket). Teens and young adults with this condition often feel pain in their groin area, especially after doing activities. They might also feel like their hip is not stable.
Adult Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis
Sometimes, hip dysplasia only causes problems that are easy to notice once someone is a young adult. If doctors suspect hip dysplasia in adults, they might use special imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. These tests help them see the hip joint more clearly.
Adult Hip Dysplasia Treatment
- Conservative management. Focuses on nonsurgical methods such as physical therapy and pain management.
- Minimally invasive repair techniques/hip arthroscopy. Our orthopedic surgeons possess extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques to repair issues caused by hip dysplasia, such as hip labral tears. These procedures are less disruptive to the body and often result in shorter recovery times and reduced pain post-surgery.
When nonsurgical methods are insufficient or the hip joint is significantly misaligned, your doctor may recommend surgical interventions. These can include:
- Periacetabular osteotomy/hip osteotomy. This open surgery reorients the hip socket to improve femoral head coverage, which is particularly effective for dysplastic (shallow) hips.
- Total hip replacement. We consider this approach in severe cases where extensive damage has occurred to the joint.
Expert Care for Hip Dysplasia
At RWJBarnabas Health, we bring advanced expertise and personalized care to each case of hip dysplasia. Our orthopedic specialists are renowned for their skill in diagnosing and treating hip conditions, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Our award-winning health system is equipped with the latest technologies and innovative treatments to address all aspects of hip dysplasia, from mild to complex cases. Our integrated approach combines the expertise of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and pain management specialists to provide a holistic treatment plan.
