Hip Dysplasia Surgery & Socket Reconstruction

Hip dysplasia is a developmental abnormality of the hip joint where the femoral head is not fully covered by the socket, which can lead to subluxation or dislocation and early hip osteoarthritis if left untreated.

Through our role as a medical tourism agency, we coordinate consultations, imaging and specialist hip dysplasia surgery for children and adults with experienced orthopaedic teams in accredited centres.

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What is the hip joint?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the acetabulum (socket) and the femoral head (ball) that sits within it. The acetabulum itself is created where three pelvic bones meet: the ilium, ischium and pubis.

Ball-and-socket joint designed for stability and load-bearing.
cetabulum formed from three pelvic bones.
Femoral head sits inside the socket and should be well covered.
Healthy alignment helps protect cartilage and delay osteoarthritis.

What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Definition

Hip dysplasia results from abnormal development of the hip joint. The acetabulum does not provide sufficient coverage of the femoral head, which can cause:

Partial loss of contact between head and socket (subluxation).
Conditions that improve with conservative treatment.
Obesity that increases surgical risk.
Active cancer treatment or severe systemic illness.

If hip dysplasia is overlooked

Untreated hip dysplasia leads to progressive destruction of the joint and early hip osteoarthritis. Over time, this causes pain, stiffness, limping and loss of independence.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Newborns (up to 3 months)

In very young babies, hip dysplasia is detected by specific clinical signs:

Ability to dislocate and relocate the hip (Barlow and Ortolani signs).
These signs must be assessed by a doctor in every newborn.

Infants (after 3 months)

After around three months, adhesions form inside the joint and early signs may no longer be visible. More typical features include:

Apparent limb shortening on the affected side.
Asymmetry in skin folds around the thighs or buttocks.

Older children & adolescents

In older children, hip dysplasia often presents with:

Contractures and restricted range of motion in the hip.
Increasing difference in leg length.
Limping and compensatory spinal curvature (scoliosis).

In the UK, early screening and timely imaging are crucial. Delayed recognition increases the risk of complex surgery and early hip replacement in adulthood.

When Is Surgery for Hip Dysplasia Recommended?

Surgical treatment is indicated when conservative care is ineffective or has not been started before about 18 months of age. In older children, teenagers and adults, surgery is often required to restore joint mechanics and prevent further damage.

Typical indications

Persistent hip dysplasia despite bracing or conservative treatment.
Subluxation or dislocation confirmed on imaging.
Progressive pain, limping or functional limitation.
Radiological evidence of abnormal coverage of the femoral head.

Treatment goals

Restore normal contact between femoral head and socket.
Improve coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum.
Recreate the correct limb axis and hip biomechanics.
Delay or prevent early hip osteoarthritis.

How Hip Socket Reconstruction Surgery Works

Hip dysplasia surgery is usually a hip socket reconstruction procedure, in which the orientation of the pelvic bone and/or femur is changed to restore normal hip geometry. This is achieved with pelvic and sometimes femoral osteotomies.

Salter osteotomy

Intended for younger children whose pelvic growth is not yet complete. The surgeon makes a single cut through the ilium and ischium, then reorients the socket to improve coverage of the femoral head.

Triple Osteotomy

Used in older children and teenagers with remaining pelvic growth. A cut is made as in the Salter method, with two additional cuts through the pubic bone, allowing more precise repositioning of the acetabulum.

Dega osteotomy

Preferred for patients with neuromuscular conditions. Small cuts are made around the hip socket to reshape it without fully detaching it from the pelvis. Screws or other devices hold the bones in place while they heal.

Recovery After Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Hospital stay & early phase

Typical hospital stay is 3–5 days after surgery.
Walking with crutches usually starts from day one.
Crutches are often required for 6–8 weeks.
Pain control and swelling management are closely monitored.

Rehabilitation & return to activity

Physiotherapy starts early and continues for many weeks.
Gradual increase in weight-bearing on the operated limb.
Recovery may take longer if the joint was significantly damaged.
Results depend on both surgery and control of underlying disease.

Close cooperation between patient, orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist is crucial. Following medical and rehabilitation advice carefully supports a safe recovery and lasting relief after Baker’s cyst treatment.

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Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.

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