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🏥 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic / Patient Guide

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Caring for a shallow hip socket

The socket (acetabulum) on the pelvis side of the hip joint did not develop fully and remains shallow.
Even if a hip dislocation was not found as a baby, some people grow up with a shallow socket.
A shallow socket means body weight pressure is focused on a small area, and over the years cartilage and the labrum can wear down. This condition is more common in women.

1
The hip socket is shallow

The acetabulum did not develop fully and cannot cover the femoral head completely

2
Body weight pressure concentrates on a small area

Because the coverage is shallow, the load focuses on specific spots

3
Cartilage and labrum gradually wear down

Over the years, cartilage wears thin, causing pain and limited movement

4
Progresses to hip osteoarthritis

If left untreated, joint deformity advances and can affect daily life

👩 More common in women 👨‍👩‍👧 Family history
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Discomfort around the hip after exercise
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Groin pain after walking for a long time
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Difficulty putting on socks
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Pain going up and down stairs
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Strength Training
Strengthening muscles like the gluteus medius that support the hip
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Movement Guidance
Learning how to move in ways that reduce stress on the hip
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Ultrasound-Guided Injection
Using ultrasound for precise injection into the joint
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Surgery
Osteotomy or total hip replacement may be considered in some cases. We do not perform surgery here, so we refer you to a partner hospital
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Early care helps protect your quality of life 5 or 10 years from now

About 80% of hip osteoarthritis patients in Japan have this underlying condition. Starting strength training and movement improvement early can help preserve your walking ability in the future.

💡 Daily Habits to Keep in Mind

  • Make hip muscle strengthening exercises a daily habit
  • Manage your weight to reduce stress on the hip
  • Sitting cross-legged or kneeling on the floor can strain the hip
  • If you have groin pain, consult a doctor early