Families put their trust in Shriners Children’s for early diagnosis and effective treatment of hip dysplasia.

Shriners Children's is one of the largest networks of hospitals, medical centers and outpatient facilities in North America that specializes in pediatric orthopedics, giving us a truly unique vantage point when it comes to evaluating and treating hip dysplasia.

Our specialized expertise in non-surgical and surgical treatments for hip dysplasia gives children the best outcome. From motion analysis centers and physical therapy, to on-site prosthetics and orthotics services, we help children and adolescents with simple to complex hip conditions live healthy, active lives.

Defining Hip Dysplasia

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. Typically, the ball at the top of the thighbone fits into the hip socket. Hip dysplasia is when the hip joint has not developed properly and the socket is too shallow, allowing the ball to slip partially or completely out of the joint. This causes the joint to wear out faster than normal and can lead to early arthritis. Hip dysplasia can range from a mild problem to a complete hip dislocation. It is often totally painless for the infant and young child.

Hip dysplasia is treatable, but early detection and treatment is very important. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can cause permanent damage and lead to pain and hip function loss later in life. It is the number one cause of early arthritis of the hip. The right diagnosis and the right care, at the right time, is critical in reducing your child’s risk of pain and disability in adulthood.

Risk Factors

It may be helpful for families navigating a hip dysplasia diagnosis to know more about the condition. It occurs more often in girls than boys, but both sexes can be affected. Hip issues can run in families. Children can be affected in just one or both hips. Each year, approximately one in six newborns will have some type of hip instability and two to three out of every 1,000 infants will require treatment.

Several different issues can lead to hip dysplasia, including mechanical, hormonal, genetic and environmental factors. Firstborn children carry the highest risk as the uterus is typically smaller with firstborns, resulting in limited room for movement. A breech delivery increases risk. Having other members of the family affected by hip dysplasia also increases risk for the newborn. Other findings like curvature in the feet or neck are associated with hip dysplasia.

Trusted Care

A diagnosis of hip dysplasia for your child can cause anxiety. We know parents and caregivers will have many questions about treatment and quality of life. Rest assured that families that entrust Shriners Children’s specialists with their care will have an entire team to help guide you and make the right decisions for your family.

We’ve seen children with hip dysplasia successfully progress through childhood, meeting milestones, becoming active athletes, and confidently navigating their teen years. Here you can learn more about pediatric hip dysplasia and the treatment options that are available.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

The care Ashley has received for hip dysplasia is second to none. We have always been treated as a priority.
Stephanie, Salt Lake City

Services we provide

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Care Management

The care management team at Shriners Children's consists of registered nurses and social workers who act as resources for families throughout their plan of care.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.