Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips in Adult
Discovering or experiencing symptoms of Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) as an adult can be overwhelming. Our goal is to offer guidance to help you through your journey and provide support along the way.
On this page you will find:
- What is Adult Hip Dysplasia?
- Why Does it Happen?
- How is Adult Hip Dysplasia Detected?
- Treatment of Adult Hip Dysplasia
- Long Term Outcomes
- Support
- Resources
What is Adult Hip Dysplasia?
DDH, also referred to as (Congenital) hip dysplasia, is a condition affecting the hip joint or joints. Symptoms may become present in childhood and recur or continue into adulthood, or symptoms may not be noticed until adulthood.
Natalie’s personal story – late diagnosis of hip dysplasia
Steps has produced a booklet, ‘Baby Hip Health and DDH, a Parent’s Guide’, where you can find out more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia in children
Why Does it Happen?
DDH occurs when the hip joint did not form fully during childhood development.
If someone is diagnosed as a baby, or in childhood, they will receive treatment then, but there is a small risk of residual dysplasia in adulthood. For someone who was not previously diagnosed, the symptoms may become more evident later in life.
How is Adult Hip Dysplasia Detected?
Symptoms are varied but may include; pain (felt in the groin or hip or sometimes even in the knee or lower back), limping, stiffness, the hip giving way, or sensations of clicking or locking of the joint.
If you experience symptoms, it is important to consult your GP.
Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).
Treatment of Adult Hip Dysplasia
The type of treatment needed will depend on several factors including your age and the severity of the dysplasia but there are two main approaches: non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment.
Non-surgical treatment:
Non-surgical treatment will focus on physiotherapy to improve posture and pelvic alignment, strengthen the hip, improve your walking pattern and increase awareness of the position of the joint.
Surgical treatment:
Surgery may be recommended for labrum tears or to improve the stability of the hip by correcting how the top of the femur and the socket work together.
After any surgery you will be asked to follow a structured rehabilitation programme and slowly return to putting weight through the treated hip.
One form of surgery is called peri-acetabular osteotomy (PAO). Read about this treatment in this leaflet created by Holly Soper-Doyle, a young adult hip advanced practice physiotherapist and shared with permission.
You can watch Step’s webinar on hip dysplasia in teens and young adults.
Long Term Outcomes
In the long term, the aim of treatment is to reduce pain, improve movement, and delay the development of arthritis in the hip.
Many people with hip dysplasia live active lives with appropriate management of the condition. With the right information, care, and rehabilitation, you will be able to set realistic goals and manage your symptoms.
Support
Steps is here to offer emotional and practical support.
The Steps closed Facebook Group is a friendly and safe way of discussing your worries, sharing tips and finding emotional support. Our Family Contact Service identifies someone else who has been through a similar situation and who’s happy to talk about their experiences, on a one-to-one basis, to offer support.
You can reach out to Steps with your questions, concerns and requests via email info@steps-charity.org.uk or leave a voicemail message on 01925 750271 and one of the team will be in touch.
All our hip dysplasia links and related resources can be found below.
Additional Resources
Hip Dysplasia in Teenagers and Young Adults Leaflet
