Information

Acetabular dysplasia (or “clicky hips”) refers to an underdeveloped, and therefore not properly developed hip socket (acetabulum), the underdevelopment affecting the bone shape, or the alignment/orientation of the socket or both. This bony problem may result in poorer containment of the ball of the hip (femoral head) that sits in this socket. Resulting increased movement (shearing) of the ball in the socket can mean reduced stability (and in some cases dislocation) of the joint – the ball is no longer held as tightly as it should be in the socket.  More severe cases, if not picked up early, will increase the risk of early wear of the joint structures in adulthood and ultimately hip pain, functional limitation and eventually degeneration of the joint, also called osteoarthritis¹ can eventuate.

The focus of this blog is to consider hip dysplasia in infants alone.  In order to read more about this condition in older children, adolescents, and adults, please refer to our previous blogs to learn more about what hip dysplasia is, common symptoms, and treatment options.  Most people with hip dysplasia are given this diagnosis as a baby, known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Other names for hip dysplasia in infants 

• Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
• Infant hip dysplasia
• Clicky hips
• Loose Hips
• Hip dislocation
• Developmental hip dislocation
• Acetabular dysplasia
• Congenital hip dysplasia
• Congenital hip dislocation

One-two percent of all babies are born with acetabular dysplasia². When a baby is born with this condition, it is usually referred to as either Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) or congenital dysplasia of the hip. Congenital simply means something you are born with. In some newborns with very shallow sockets, the ball may easily slide out of the socket. In this case, a diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the hip may be given.

When hip dysplasia is congenital, meaning the baby is born with the condition, the causes are still not completely clear, with more research needed. However there are some recognised risk factors.

• Female gender
• First born
• Ligament laxity or hypermobility syndromes, (often there is a family history of collagen disorders) – 47% more likely in those with developmental hip dysplasia (6).
• There may be a genetic factor running in the family:
  • If one sibling was born with this condition, it has been shown that there is a chance another will also be born with dysplasia (60/1000 chance).   If a parent has hip dysplasia, there is a 12/100 chance of a child being born with this condition. If there is both an affected parent and an affected sibling, there is a 36/100 chance of a child being born with hip dysplasia³.
• DDH may be linked with different hormones in the body while pregnant (5).
• Females- about 5 to 8 girls are affected for every boy (possibly reflecting the influence of female sex hormones). Also girls have generally more laxity in their ligaments, which may be a factor.  (5)

Hip Dysplasia can be also be acquired in the early stages after birth, rather than being congenital.

• A breech birth can lead to hip dislocation (where the ball comes out of the socket) (5), especially with the first born child, perhaps where there is less room to move through the birth canal
• Keeping a baby in a position where the legs are placed together for extended periods has also be found to be a factor (2). This is usually when the baby is swaddled too tightly, not leaving the legs to be free to move.

How Can You Find a Hip Pain Professional That can Help?

Diagnosing and treating acetabular dysplasia in an infant is extremely specialized. Your paediatrician and obstetrician will help you understand what has occurred and why.  They will work with you and a team specialised in infant care.  However, should symptoms arise as your child gets older and towards adolescence, then you should again seek medical advice and help.  Always seek out a health professional with extensive experience and up-to-date knowledge in this area. They will assess your/your child’s individual specific case and help guide you on the where to and what next. Visit our directory to find a Hip Pain  Professional  near you. 

References

Check Out More You Can Read on this Area at HipPainHelp:

This is the second of a 3 part series of blogs related to acetabular dysplasia about the hips – make sure you follow us over the next few weeks to read our final blog about what treatment options for hip dysplasia are available.

What is Hip Dysplasia: the first of this 3 part blog series discusses what hip dysplasia is and the different types of hip dysplasia that exist.

Usual Symptoms of Acetabular Dysplasia and Possible Causes of Hip Dysplasia?  Part 2 of this 3 part blog series discusses what symptoms to look out for with acetabular dysplasia and what the possible causes may be.

Treatment options For Acetabular Dysplasia  This is the 3rd and final part of the hip dysplasia blog series looking at what types of treatment are most beneficial from conservative to surgical interventions.

Hip Pain Explained: This is an encyclopedia of information on the hip and pelvis and all the structures that make up these regions. Many of the possible pathologies that exist in each area are discussed

Pain Locator Map: You can use this resource by clicking on the body region where you feel your pain.  Information about this area, the structures that exist, and the conditions that may be linked with your pain are all discussed.

Hip Pain Help Blog: Click on this and scan through the weekly blogs that have been released by hippainhelp.  If you are looking for hip pain relief ideas, scroll through to find these blogs, which are scattered throughout the various different specific condition blogs we have written.