What is it?
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball-shaped femoral head is poorly covered by the hip socket or acetabulum1. This smaller surface area creates abnormal loading through the hip joint which may lead to early onset osteoarthritis, pain and reduced function if left untreated2. While there is no clear cause, this condition more commonly affects women with known risk factors being family history and babies born breech1,3. If developmental dysplasia of the hip or DDH is undiscovered in infancy, it is often diagnosed once pain is present in adolescence or adulthood1.
Common signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia3,4:
• Gradual onset of groin pain or pain at the side of the hip
• Limping or changes to walking pattern
• Hip joint clicking or locking
• Increased pain with activity (e.g. walking, running, standing, pivoting or sitting)
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of hip dysplasia requires a thorough history and physical examination conducted by a qualified health professional such as your general practitioner, physiotherapist or osteopath. Findings of these assessments will allow your practitioner to determine likely factors contributing to your hip pain and develop a personalised treatment plan to address these.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia are often similar to other hip joint related conditions meaning imaging may be required3. Referral to an orthopaedic surgeon may be explored depending on the success of physiotherapy management or the severity of disability and/or pain.
How can physiotherapy or osteopathy assist with my hip pain?
Physiotherapy or osteopathy management for hip dysplasia is often recommended before surgery is considered2. Physiotherapists or osteopaths can utilise a number of treatment techniques to assist in improving your hip pain. These may include: strengthening of the muscles surrounding the hip, core strengthening, exercises to improve function (e.g. balance and single leg control), and advice around return to sport or activity modification to minimise exposure to painful positions/activities2,5. If surgery is required, your physiotherapist or osteopath can help guide you through your rehab post-surgery to get you back to what you love most5! All treatment plans are personalised specifically to you and your goals!
If you’d like more information or would like to book in for an appointment, please call us on 9439 6776.
This blog is written by Stefanie Girdler, Physiotherapist at Back In Motion Eltham.
References:
1. Wang H, Yu H, Kim Y, Chen T. Asymmetry in Muscle Strength, Dynamic Balance, and Range of Motion in Adult Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia. Symmetry. 2022;14(4):748. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14040748
2. Disantis AE, Martin RL, Enseki K, Spaid V, McClincy M. Non-Operative Rehabilitation Principles for Use in Individuals with Acetabular Dysplasia: A North American Based Delphi Study. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2023;18(6):1331-1345. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.89265
3. Ellsworth BK, Sink EL, Doyle SM. Adolescent hip dysplasia: what are the symptoms and how to diagnose it. CURR OPIN PEDIATR. 2021;33(1):65–73. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000000969
4. Nunley RM, Prather H, Hunt D, Schoenecker PL, Clohisy JC. Clinical Presentation of Symptomatic Acetabular Dysplasia in Skeletally Mature Patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011;93–A Suppl 2:17–21. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.01735
5. Kemp JL, Mosler A, Crossley KM, Mayes S, Scholes MJ, Heerey J, et al. Physiotherapist-led treatment for young to middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain: Consensus recommendations from the International Hip-related Pain Research Network, Zurich 2018. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(9):504–11. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101458