Aplasia of the Acetabulum

Aplasia of the Acetabulum Causes

Aplasia of the acetabulumThere are many factors related to the development of Aplasia of the acetabulum and some of these may overlap with other childhood diseases of the hip. Children who are born in a breech position are far more likely to have this condition due to the extreme stress placed on the hips during birth. Children born to first time mothers may experience this as well as those born to mothers with very small pelvic regions. This will cause the hips to be restricted during development of the infant in the womb. Children and others can also experience Aplasia of the acetabulum rarely through trauma to the hip. This would have to be trauma with quite a bit of force behind it such as extreme falls from a great height or a motor vehicle accident where the knees slam into the dash on impact with the car during the crash. This disease may also occur in conjunction with Legg-Perthes disease or with congenital hip dislocation disorders.

Aplasia of the Acetabulum Symptoms

The symptoms of Aplasia of the acetabulum are much like those of many other hip disorders that may occur throughout the lifespan although most commonly emerge in childhood or infancy. Patients may experience pain in the hip area or throughout the pelvis and the groin. Others may feel better at rest, but then experience more severe pain during times of activity or play. As the disease progresses or if pelvic stability is lost the patient may begin to limp and lose certain levels of mobility.

Aplasia of the Acetabulum Diagnosis

If you are having hip pain your doctor will likely want to perform a thorough physical exam to discover the cause of your pain. Delaying diagnosis can lead to other complications, including collapse of the joint or a loss of mobility in later years. If your joint is stiff, there is a shortening of your leg, and you have been experiencing pain without injury your health care provider may order imaging tests to discover the exact cause of the problem. If your x-ray shows significant joint damage or arthritis your doctor will likely be able to confirm the diagnosis of Aplasia of the acetabulum. If you have hip dysplasia or Legg-Perthes disease this condition may develop and be found in routine checkups for these diseases as well.

Aplasia of the Acetabulum Treatment

Treatment for Aplasia of the acetabulum can be complex and may often require surgical repair of the joint or a total hip replacement. The surgery involved in treating this disorder is called Periacetabular Osteotomy and is a procedure to restructure the existing tissue in the patient’s hip to relieve mobility problems or any pain that you may be experiencing. Hip replacement may also be an option for those with severely damaged hips or poor mobility. If you’ve been experiencing hip pain there’s no reason to continue to suffer. See your doctor today for more information about treating or managing your hip pain .