Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket (also called the acetabulum) is too shallow for the ball of the hip joint (also called the head of the femur) to fit properly. This causes a partial or complete hip dislocation. People with this condition are usually born with it, but symptoms usually appear during adulthood. If left untreated, this can develop into osteoarthritis and, later in life, may require hip replacements.
Hip Dysplasia Signs And Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia vary by age group. During infancy, one leg may be shorter, one hip is more flexible than the other, and once they begin walking, limping is apparent. Meanwhile, teenagers and young adults can experience groin pain that increases with activity, snapping or popping sensation in the hips, limitation of range of motion, and limping.
Hip Dysplasia Causes
The hip joint comprises soft cartilage, which hardens into a bone at birth. The ball and the socket needed to fit together during this stage to mold each other perfectly. If they don’t, the socket will not fully form to fit into the ball, becoming more shallow. One example of this hip dysplasia can be during the last trimester of pregnancy. When there is not enough space in the womb, the hip joint ball can move out of its position.
Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis
To diagnose hip dysplasia, the doctor will get a medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scan to assess and examine the condition of the hip joint accurately.
Hip Dysplasia Treatment
The age of the person affected is where the treatments depend on when diagnosed with hip dysplasia and the extent of the hip damage.
For infants, they usually recommend a soft brace called a Pavlik harness. It helps hold the ball portion of the joint (or head of the femur) firmly to its socket for months so that the socket can mold properly into the ball.
For babies over 6 months, the Pavlik harness will not work for them. Instead, a full-body cast is recommended. The doctor will move the bones in the hip joint into their proper position, and the full body cast will hold the position for several months. Surgery to fit the joints properly in some cases
Lastly, if the hip dysplasia is severe, a surgery called Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)/Ganz osteotomy is recommended. This open surgery allows the doctor to reposition the hip socket to match the ball of the joint better.
Hip Dysplasia Exercises
Here are some hip dysplasia exercises:
1. Hip Dysplasia Exercises Isometric Gluteus Medius Activation
Most often, in hip dysplasia, the tensor fascia lata (TFL) tends to try to stabilize the hip and pelvis instead of the gluteus medius. This results in over-dominance of the TFL, which becomes hypertrophied. Activating the gluteus medius can help in improving the function of the muscle.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart and flat on the floor. Place a belt or a resistance band around the top of your knees.
Now place your hands on your hips, with your thumbs in front of the hips and fingers in the back of the hip bone or the pant’s pocket area. Your thumbs in front of the hips will guide your Tensor Fascia Lata muscle. While your fingers in the back of the hip bone will guide your gluteus medius.
Gently squeeze your knees out against the belt or the resistance band. During this movement, you should feel the back pocket area slowly activate, while no movement should be felt under your thumbs. Hold this position for 7 seconds, then relax. Complete 10 repetitions, 1 set.
2. Isometric Gluteus Medius Activation With Bridge
For this second hip dysplasia exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart and flat on the floor. Place a belt or a resistance band around the top of your knees.
Now place your hands on your hips, with your thumbs in front of the hips and fingers in the back of the hip bone or the pant’s pocket area. Your thumbs in front of the hips will guide your Tensor Fascia Lata muscle, while your fingers in the back of the hip bone will guide your gluteus medius.
Gently squeeze your knees out against the belt or the resistance band. During this movement, you should feel the back pocket area slowly activate, while no movement should be felt under your thumbs. Slowly push through your heels to push the pelvis up until they are leveled with the hips. Hold this position for 7 seconds. Then return the pelvis back down.
Ensure you activate the gluteus medius before putting your pelvis up and down, then relax and repeat the exercise. Complete 10 repetitions, 1 set.
3. Isometric Gluteus Medius Activation With Step Stance Bridge
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart and flat on the floor. This time, place the foot of the affected leg near your buttocks while the other is one step forward. Place a belt or a resistance band around the top of your knees, then gently squeeze your knees out against the belt or the resistance band again as per the first exercise.
Slowly push through your heels to push the pelvis up until they are leveled with the hips. Hold this position for 7 seconds. Then return the pelvis back down. Ensure you activate the gluteus medius before putting your pelvis up and down, then relax and repeat the exercise.
Note: There is more activation in the hamstring on the forward leg than the leg behind. Complete this hip dysplasia exercise for 10 repetitions, 1 set.
Conclusion
If your baby shows signs of hip dysplasia, or if you are experiencing hip pain if you’re a teenager or adult, immediately consult a doctor. In most cases of hip dysplasia, early intervention and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications and improving quality of life. Doctors may recommend physical therapy and hip dysplasia exercises that improve hip strength and flexibility.
