Adolescent hip dysplasia: what are the symptoms and how to diagnose it

Adolescent and young adult hip dysplasia is a cause of hip pain which can lead to early hip osteoarthritis. This may result in early hip osteoarthrosis and possible total hip arthroplasty if dysplasia is not recognized and treated. Hip dysplasia in this population can be difficult to diagnose. It is important for primary care providers and pediatricians to recognize the symptoms, physical examination findings, and radiographic findings associated with adolescent hip dysplasia so that the patient can be referred to an orthopedist specializing in hip disorder. The current review includes the most up-to-date literature on the diagnosis of adolescent hip dysplasia.

Recent studies have shown that most patients presenting with symptomatic hip dysplasia present with insidious onset hip pain localized to either the groin or lateral aspect of the hip in a C-shape distribution around the inguinal crease. Patients most commonly see several different providers and have pain for a long period prior to accurate diagnosis. There are myriad radiographic measurements of hip dysplasia, many of which are described below that are helpful in initial diagnosis.

Adolescent and young adult hip dysplasia can be a cause of early, progressive hip osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia is a term that represents a spectrum of disorder due to abnormal formation of the hip joint, resulting in an acetabulum that does not sufficiently cover the femoral head. The ability to recognize symptoms, physical examination findings, and radiographic evidence of adolescent hip dysplasia is critical so that the patient can be referred to the appropriate provider and receive timely treatment prior to the onset of degenerative hip disease. This article will focus mainly on the diagnosis of adolescent hip dysplasia. The standard for treatment of acetabular dysplasia in skeletally mature patients is the periacetabular osteotomy; however, nonoperative management and occasionally arthroscopic surgery can also be considered in cases of symptomatic borderline dysplasia.