Hip Dysplasia

Specialist care for hip dysplasia

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia occurs when the bone of the hip socket does not develop properly, resulting in it being shallow and having a smaller surface area to cover the ball of the hip. This usually occurs during development in the womb but may go undetected for many years and not cause symptoms or pain until adulthood.Hip dysplasia can lead to damage to the labrum or cartilage of the hip and result in pain, easy muscle fatigue, instability or arthritis.

What causes it?

There may be more than contributing factor, however many people have no associated risks. Contributing factors can include:

  • Being the first born child
  • A breach presentation at birth
  • Being female
  • A family tendency
  • Being one of a multiple preganacy (e.g. twin, triplet, etc)

 

What are the symptoms?

Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:

  • Groin pain that may spread to the side of the hip or buttock
  • Pain with twisting, turning, squatting or rising from a chair
  • Pain after sitting for a long time
  • A feeling that the hip may give way
  • Reduced ability to run or take part in pivoting sports
  • Worsening pain on the side of your hip after walking for a certain time in people under the age of 40 (e.g. pain starting after 30 mins)

 

How is it diagnosed?

Your consultant will assess your movement, strength and symptoms. X-rays show the shape and coverage of the joint, while MRI or CT may be used to assess the labrum, cartilage and bone in more detail.

We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through what the results mean for you.

 

Contact our appointments team
What is hip dysplasia?

Treatment routes

Fortius Sports & Exercise Medicine clinicians manage the full range of sports and exercise-related injuries, including but not limited to:

Recovery goals after treatment for hip dysplasia

Early recovery

Goals:

Reduce pain and swelling Protect the affected area Keep moving safely as advised

As your symptoms improve

Goals:

Restore comfortable movement Rebuild strength and control Return gradually to everyday tasks

Returning to full activity

Goals:

Return to suitable exercise or sport Regain confidence in your movement Continue rehabilitation or monitoring as advised

Working with hip professionals and teams

Our hip specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hips. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.

 

The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.

Working with hip professionals and teams

How to pay

We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance

If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.

Paying for yourself

Paying for yourself

You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.

 

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