Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket is too shallow to fully support the ball of the femur. Instead of fitting securely like a cup around the ball, the socket sits more like a dish, providing less coverage and stability. This abnormal shape increases stress on the hip joint and can lead to pain, labral tears, and early arthritis.

What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a structural condition in which the hip socket does not provide adequate coverage over the femoral head. Because the socket is shallow and more vertical than normal, the hip lacks stability. This can cause excessive pressure at the rim of the socket and on the labrum, eventually leading to tissue damage and pain.

What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is usually the result of developmental changes that occur early in life. As the hip grows and the growth plates close, the socket may remain shallow instead of forming into a deeper, cup-shaped structure.

Contributing factors include:

• A hip socket that develops too shallow or too vertical
• Increased stress on the labrum and cartilage
• Concentrated forces during walking, running, and daily activity
• Developmental abnormalities in infancy or childhood

Because the hip is not properly supported, the labrum becomes overloaded and prone to tearing. Over time, the cartilage can also wear down.

Signs and Symptoms

Hip dysplasia often causes symptoms similar to hip impingement but may progress more quickly due to poor joint coverage.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain in the groin
• Pain on the outside of the hip
• A feeling of instability or weakness
• Clicking, catching, or stiffness in the hip
• Pain that worsens with walking, running, or prolonged activity
• Early development of hip arthritis (often in ages 30–50)
• Possible early need for hip replacement if untreated

Because the hip joint is not well-supported, damage occurs faster than in a normal hip.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Early treatment aims to reduce pain, improve hip stability, and slow joint deterioration.

Non-surgical options may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
• Injections into the hip joint
• Avoiding movements that overload the hip

These treatments can help manage symptoms, but they do not correct the structural problem of a shallow socket.

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatment does not provide lasting relief, surgery is a reliable option for treating hip dysplasia.

Surgical procedures may include:

• Hip arthroscopy to treat labral tears and cartilage injury
• Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), a surgery that repositions the hip socket to provide better coverage and stability

Reorienting the socket helps protect the hip joint, reduce pain, and delay or prevent early-onset arthritis.

Benton A. Emblom, MD

Benton A. Emblom, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon who specializes in hip preservation and conditions such as hip dysplasia. As a member of The Hip Center at Andrews Sports Medicine, he provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment options for patients with structural hip disorders.

Dr. Emblom serves as a head team orthopaedic physician for Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Hoover High School, and several other local high schools. His expertise allows him to offer both non-surgical strategies and complex procedures such as hip arthroscopy and PAO for appropriate candidates.

To request an appointment with Dr. Emblom, call (205) 939-3699 and ask to speak with his appointment scheduler.

To request an appointment online, CLICK HERE or contact Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center at (205) 939-3699.