Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Developmental dysplasia means the hip socket is shallower than usual and does not fully support the ball of the hip joint. It develops during childhood, but may not cause symptoms until adolescence or adulthood.

The altered shape places extra pressure on the edge of the socket and can lead to groin pain, cartilage damage and earlier arthritis. Treatment depends on age, the degree of dysplasia and the amount of joint damage. Some younger patients may be referred for hip-preserving surgery, while established arthritis may be treated with hip replacement.