Adult Signs and Symptoms

The first sign of hip dysplasia in an adolescent or young adult are typically hip pain and/or a limp. In rare cases, clicking and popping may be the presenting sign. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by many other hip disorders.

An imaging tool is needed to determine the cause of hip pain. X-Rays are the standard first step to diagnosing a disorder causing hip pain.

Hip Pain

Hip pain from dysplasia is usually associated with activities. Pain deep in the front of the groin is the most common, although pain in the side or back of the hip is also frequent in hip dysplasia. When symptoms first occur they may be only occasional and mild. Over time, there may be an increase in the frequency and intensity of the pain.

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Limp

Once symptoms of dysplasia become more severe, a mild limp may occur. The most common cause of a limp is pain. A painless limp may be caused by weak muscles, limited flexibility of the hip joint, or bone deformity.

A limp does not necessarily indicate hip dysplasia because, like hip pain, it can be related to many other hip disorders.

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