What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a clinical term for what most people call dislocated hip. The hip region consists of a ball and socket joint where the ball of the thighbone fits into the hip socket. Hip dysplasia is a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from complete dislocation of the ball from the socket to a misshapen socket in which the ball is not deeply seated. Hip dysplasia can be apparent at birth.
What Is Perthes?
Legg-Perthes, or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease as it is also known, is a condition where blood flow to the hip is compromised, and the ball at the top of the thighbone is injured temporarily. It then goes through a reparative process for two or three years until it is round again. Legg-Perthes can cause pain in the hip and typically develops in children between the ages of 4 and 9.
Hip Disorders and TSRHC
Hip disorders can affect one or both hips and are sometimes apparent at birth. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children treats thousands of patients with hip disorders every year. Hip dysplasia and Legg-Perthes are just a few of the many conditions that affect a child's hip joint.
Research
Our Center for Excellence in Hip Disorders is conducting groundbreaking research to find the causes of and cures for these and other pediatric orthopedic conditions.
CAUSE DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT
The cause of many hip disorders is unknown.
The cause of many hip disorders is unknown. Some are present at birth, and others develop due to an injury or other condition. Many hip conditions are considered hereditary. Others are seen more in girls than boys or more often in firstborn children. Your doctor can better explain the reasons your child may be affected by a specific hip disorder.
Physicians often use X-rays or simple diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, to evaluate hip disorders.
A complete medical history from the patient and parents, as well as a physical examination, will assist in beginning to understand the problem.
Treatments for hip disorders are as varied as the conditions that affect the hip.
Medications are often helpful for pain management in Perthes and may be prescribed along with exercises. Decreasing movement through casting, harnessing or surgery can also help correct some hip disorders, such as dislocation in babies. No matter the treatment option, TSRHC’s goal is always to improve movement, reduce pain and prevent complications later in life.