Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition characterised by the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint being too shallow. There is a wide spectrum in this condition ranging from babies whose hips are dislocated at birth or who have unstable hip joints, to those in whom the hip does not quite develop normally. The condition is much more common in women than men (8:2) and is a common cause of hip arthritis in older patients. Patients who have hip dysplasia often start to get symptoms in their early 20’s or 30’s. This is caused by the abnormal stresses that a shallow hip has to withstand and after some time damage starts to occur at the edge of the socket leading to pain. Unfortunately, once symptoms start, it is generally a sign that the joint can no longer compensate for its abnormal shape any longer. The consequence is damage to the articular cartilage (the gliding surface of the joint) and the gradual development of osteoarthritis.
