Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket fails to fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone, leading to partial or complete dislocation of the hip joint. While most cases are present at birth, some individuals may not experience symptoms until later in life.

During infancy, healthcare professionals routinely screen for signs of hip dysplasia. Early diagnosis allows for corrective measures such as the use of a soft brace to realign the hip joint. However, in older children and young adults, hip dysplasia may lead to complications like osteoarthritis or hip labral tears, necessitating surgical intervention to reposition the bones for improved joint function.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia vary across age groups. In infants, signs may include a discrepancy in leg length or decreased flexibility in one hip during diaper changes. As children begin walking, a limp may develop. In teenagers and young adults, hip dysplasia can result in groin pain, sensations of hip instability, or osteoarthritis.

Hip dysplasia is influenced by factors such as genetics, breech presentation at birth, first pregnancies, large birth size, and tight swaddling practices. Later in life, dysplasia can lead to the development of hip labral tears and osteoarthritis due to increased pressure on the joint surfaces.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia may involve physical examinations and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment approaches depend on the severity of the condition and the age of the individual. In infants, soft braces like the Pavlik harness may be utilized to mold the hip joint
into the correct shape. For older infants, corrective procedures such as repositioning the bones followed by immobilization in a full-body cast may be necessary. In more severe cases, surgeries like periacetabular osteotomy may be performed to reposition the hip socket, or hip replacement surgery may be considered for older individuals with debilitating arthritis.