Hip Dysplasia Symptoms & Treatment Options in San antonio

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Your hip joint is a marvel of engineering, functioning like a smooth ball-and-socket mechanism. The ball, at the top of your thighbone (femur), fits snugly into a cup-like socket in your pelvis (acetabulum). This design allows for a wide range of motion, essential for everyday activities like walking, running, and squatting.

Hip dysplasia disrupts this perfect harmony. In this condition, the socket in the pelvis (acetabulum) is underdeveloped, shallow, or improperly formed. This shallow socket can't fully contain the ball of the femur, leading to instability of the hip joint. Over time, this instability can cause pain, wear and tear on the joint (hip arthritis), and limit your mobility.

Hip Pain and Dysplasia Treatment in San Antonio

Types of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can occur at different stages of life:

  • Congenital Hip Dysplasia: Present at birth, it's more common in females and babies born in the breech position.

  • Developmental Hip Dysplasia: Develops during infancy or early childhood due to loose ligaments around the hip joint.

  • Secondary Hip Dysplasia: Occurs later in life due to injury, arthritis, or other medical conditions.

Dr. Broome from San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists diagnosing hip pain for hip dysplasia condition in San Antonio, Texas

Signs and symptoms of hip Dysplasia

The most common signs of hip Dysplasia in adults can include:

  • Pain in the groin, buttock, or thigh: This pain often increases with activity and might radiate to surrounding areas.

  • Hip stiffness: Daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair become difficult due to stiffness in the joint.

  • Feeling of instability: The hip might feel loose or unsteady, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of "giving way."

  • Limping: A noticeable limp can significantly impact your mobility.

Don't Ignore Persistent Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially persistent pain or limited movement, it's crucial to see an orthopedic specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia in can significantly improve your long-term outcomes and prevent complications.

Dr. Harris of San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists diagnosing hip pain in patient with hip dysplasia in San Antonio, Texas

treatments for Hip Dysplasia in adults

Hip dysplasia in adults requires a personalized treatment approach based on the severity, your age, and activity level. Here at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, our skilled team offers a range of treatment options to address your specific needs:

Surgical Intervention:

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct hip dysplasia and improve joint stability. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of your condition:

Hip Replacement: In advanced cases of hip dysplasia with significant arthritis, a total hip replacement may be recommended. This surgery involves replacing the damaged hip joint with artificial components, offering long-term pain relief and improved mobility.

Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and repositioning the bones around the hip joint to create a better socket for the ball of the femur. This can help restore stability and alleviate pain.

Non-Surgical Management:

Pain Management: We may recommend medication like over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that aggravate your hip joint can significantly benefit your condition. Our team can provide guidance on appropriate exercises and lifestyle adjustments.

Physical Therapy: A cornerstone of treatment, physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the hip joint, improving flexibility, and restoring proper mechanics. This can significantly reduce pain and improve your overall function.

hip replacement patient Testimonial

Hear Sherrill share her experience with her left hip replacement surgery by Dr. Harris. She describes living pain-free and regaining her active lifestyle thanks to Dr. Harris' expertise and innovative techniques.

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MEET OUR HIP SPECIALISTS

  • Hip Specialists in San Antonio

    Adam I. Harris, MD

    Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon

  • Hip Specialists in San Antonio

    Brandon Broome, MD

    Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon