Hip Preservation & Hip Dysplasia Treatment
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is too shallow to fully support the ball of the thigh bone, or femur. This can lead to instability, joint pressure and cartilage damage, and is the leading cause of early onset hip arthritis.
The board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists at University Hospitals provide a full range of medical treatment of hip dysplasia, including innovative hip preservation techniques, to reduce the risk of future hip problems.
Schedule Today
Call the periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and hip dysplasia concierge at 216-285-6032 to learn more or to make an appointment or schedule an office visit online.
Find a DoctorWorld-Renowned Expertise in Hip Preservation & Hip Dysplasia Treatment
Our experts have extensive background and experience in diagnosing, managing and treating hip dysplasia. With a multidisciplinary team approach to care, we work closely with our patients experiencing hip dysplasia, including:
- Hip instability and labral tears
- Adolescents with activity-related hip pain issues
- Early osteoarthritis in adults
Experience Matters
Our surgeons are internationally recognized for their research and expertise in hip preservation surgical techniques. They have been partnering to treat hip dysplasia for over 10 years and have performed over 1,000 operations together. The team has pioneered and continues to advance and refine their surgical techniques, speaking about their outcomes on a global scale.
Patient Stories
Megan’s Story
“I owe so much to Dr. Salata and Dr. Wetzel for fixing me up not once, but twice. It is thanks to them that I am able to continue doing what I love without the pain that ailed me for so long. My time with the UH doctors and physical therapists taught me to prioritize my health and recovery and to have patience in the process.”
– Megan, high school athlete and PAO/hip arthroscopy patient
McKenna’s Story
“For more than five years, our daughter McKenna lived with severe, life-altering pain. She saw 32 different physicians and was misdiagnosed multiple times. But everything changed when we met Dr. Wetzel and Dr. Salata. The compassion, urgency and teamwork they showed us is something I will never forget. Today, McKenna refuses to see anyone else. I truly can’t put into words what they did for our daughter and for our family.”
– Vanessa, mother of McKenna, PAO patient
Jordan’s Story
When I met with Dr. Salata and Dr. Wetzel, they really took the time to understand my concerns and made it clear they cared about my entire journey, not just the surgery. Injuries are tough, both mentally and physically, but their support made all the difference. As a senior and college cheerleader, getting back to my sport means everything to me. I’m looking forward to competing at nationals in January, and based on my recovery so far, I feel confident and hopeful.”
– Jordan, college athlete and PAO patient
Jena’s Story
“What surprised me most was how good I felt immediately after surgery. The constant pain I had lived with for over half of my life was gone. Even though I live almost 4.5 hours away, I would make the same choice again a thousand times over. The results have been life changing. I can’t thank Dr. Salata, Dr. Wetzel and the UH team enough for their skill, compassion and the care they put into every step of my journey. They didn’t just fix my hips – they helped to make a huge difference in my quality of life.”
– Jena, bilateral hip dysplasia patient
Combined Approach to Hip Dysplasia Surgery
UH offers a unique approach to hip dysplasia treatment that is helping young patients recover faster and spend less time in the operating room.
Typically, hip dysplasia is treated in two phases: hip surgery followed by hip arthroscopy during a second procedure. But at UH, experts in both open hip surgery and hip arthroscopy are teaming up to perform these procedures at the same time.
Our expert surgeons are both highly trained in hip arthroscopy surgery and open hip preservation surgery, called periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), for hip dysplasia treatment. University Hospitals pioneered the two-surgeon approach and is one of the few hospitals in the U.S. to treat hip dysplasia with this level of collaboration.
Our Techniques
- Hip Arthroscopy
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Hip arthroscopy is a highly effective minimally invasive surgery to treat hip dysplasia. Using very small incisions, our skilled surgeons can help reduce hip pain, improve function and allow you to quickly return to normal activities. The procedure corrects hip damage and also prevents or delays the onset of hip arthritis.
- Hip Preservation Surgery/Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)
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Open hip preservation surgery such as PAO has been used to treat hip dysplasia for decades, and our team is an international leader in PAO surgery. With PAO, the pelvic bone is cut and repositioned to better cover the hip socket, restoring normal hip anatomy and movement, reducing pain and preventing osteoarthritis. Minimally invasive techniques have led to better outcomes and faster recovery with hip preservation surgery.
- Combined Surgery
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The combined surgeries allows our surgeons to address different parts of the hip at the same time. Patients only have to undergo one trip to the operating room. The combined approach also means less time under anesthesia and faster recovery.
Together, our orthopedic and sports medicine team determine the proper treatment and follow-up with you afterwards to monitor your function.
Hip Dysplasia Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hip dysplasia symptoms may not initially be obvious. Hip pain, instability and issues walking or moving may start in early adulthood, or during the first or second pregnancy in women.
If left untreated, hip dysplasia will result in activity-related hip pain or early osteoarthritis in adolescents and young adults. Along with a complete physical examination, imaging techniques used to diagnose hip dysplasia may include:
- X-ray: During this test, our orthopedic specialist will identify if the femur, or thigh bone, is properly aligned with the pelvis.
- Ultrasonography: Generally used for infants younger than six months of age, this test shows the internal structures of the hip and whether they are properly aligned.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or computerized tomography (CT) scans are used to confirm post-surgical treatment.
Offering Second Opinion for Hip Conditions
UH offers virtual review of imaging and a preliminary virtual visit to discuss your hip-related diagnosis and treatment plan. If you would like to meet with our hip preservation team for a second opinion consult, contact us at clevelandhippreservation@UHhospitals.org.
A Destination for Hip Preservation Treatment
Our state-of-the-art surgical facilities at University Hospitals Beachwood Medical Center makes our program a premier destination for hip preservation treatment and surgery. Our accessible location makes it easy for families from out of state to travel to the Cleveland area to access our world-renowned care in the field of hip preservation and hip dysplasia treatment.
Understanding Hip Dysplasia Risk Factors
The exact cause of hip dysplasia isn’t known but there are certain risk factors that may increase the chance of the occurrence of developmental dysplasia of the hip, including:
- Breech position in the third trimester of pregnancy
- Family history
- Female gender
- First born
- Multiple gestation pregnancy
- Race, including certain Native American populations
- Tight lower extremity swaddling as a newborn
Not all patients will require surgery and we offer more conservative hip dysplasia treatment options for hip pain relief, including:
- Comprehensive, customized physical therapy
- Aquatic therapy
- Injections
More Information and Resources
New Hip Arthroscopy Technique Can Mean Less Pain Complications
About Hip Dysplasia & Treatment Options
Hip Dysplasia Treatment for Babies and Children
Your health is important. Get expert care.
Offering in-person and virtual visits. Call 216-844-7200 to see which option is right for you or schedule an office visit online today.
Hip & Knee Care for Athletes
The UH orthopedic specialists have special expertise in caring for hip- and knee-related sports injuries in athletes of all ages and skill levels.