Another case of undiagnosed hip dysplasia

by Cara
(Chicago, IL, USA)

Hi all-


I was diagnosed with dysplasia at 38 after a couple of years of weakness and a "weird unstable feeling". The ortho did not mention Peri Acetabular Osteotomy as a possible option, so now arthritis and large subchondral cysts have set in and it's too late for a corrective procedure. I had no pain or issues as a kid, did gymnastics and danced on it for years. How can this be?????


I am resigned to needing a hip replacement, but I'm scared to do it at 41. Won't I need another one in 20 years? Or sooner? What if that one fails? Will I end up in a wheelchair at 70? Will the cysts (which continue to grow in size) affect the outcome of the bone union? Aren't they weakening my entire hip joint?

I have given up step aerobics and will soon give up my 2-inch work heels. I don't have any radiating or aching, numbness or tingling. I can sleep well. But walking gives me grinding pain in my joint with every step. I haven't started taking meds yet because I've read they can damage cartilage further.

I am using prolotherapy and PRP, though, started in December. Haven't noticed much improvement yet after 2 treatments. Is there anything I can do to relieve my pain and put this off? What about correcting my posterior pelvic tilt? I know it won't correct the structural deformity, but will it help the pain, maybe?

So heartbroken about this. Feel like I've lost my youth. I've started doing the exercises on this site. Is there anything else that I can do? Grateful for any advice.

All Best,
Cara

Hello Cara,
Missed diagnoses are always distressing, so we share your distress; having said that, the past is set in concrete, and it's best to focus on the future. I know it's easier said than done, but crying over spilled milk has no merit.

Yes, you are right, a second and even third surgery is a distinct possibility.

First, an important point; this is hereditary. Your children may be lucky and have inherited your husband's hips, but maybe not. If there is ANY sign of that instability that you felt, any "growing pains" in the upper leg and groin (often referring to the knee) then you absolutely must have an xray of their pelvis' done; buttock pain too.

Early diagnosis means that exercises can be started now, and an acceptance that running, gymnastics, vigorous dancing and aerobics are not for them. One of the tragedies is that children with dysplasia are hypermobile, making them able to excel in these sports; but you don't want them where you are ten years' time.

Secondly, have your leg length assessed. Dysplasia, PLUS a short leg, is a disaster. A simple, inexpensive insert inside the shoe is usually adequate, but you'll need professional advice on whether it should be the whole shoe, or just the heel, and how thick. This applies to your children too. A leg length inequality leads to a higher incidence of hip arthritis.

Thirdly, if you are significantly overweight, get it off. It's vital. Double the fruit and salad in your diet, and cut out the crap. See our Modified Banting diet.

Fourthly, start swimming and cycling regularly. They can be boring, but important; think of it like brushing your teeth.

Next, start making a chicken bones bouillon regularly; use the search function in the nav bar on your left. Extract the cartilage and use it to make a soup. Every week for the rest of your life; it's delicious in any case. Get a stainless steel pressure cooker if you don't have one.

Take omega 3 oil for life; better still eat fatty fish every week.

Fifthly, start looking for a chiropractor who is interested in, and specialises in hips; you may battle. Don't accept a blase, yes of course I treat hips.

Could you send me a copy of your xray to brlewisatmwebdotcodotsa please.

Be strong, Cara; you can cope with this below the belt blow.

Dr B

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Apr 07, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		How should my chiro contact you?
by: Cara

Thanks Dr. B-

What's the best way for my DC to get in touch with you? Do you have a direct email that you give to docs only?

I'll send you my films as soon as I get them back from the surgeon who reviewed them. Cheers!

Cara

Hello Cara,
Yes, of course, but I'd rather not publish it here! Via the Contact at chiropractic Help is best initially, and then I can relay him my personal email.

Could you please make a summary of all this, and send it all to Contact? It makes things easier when I'm chatting to him.

Skype is not a bad option either.

Looking forward to seeing the Xrays.

Dr B
Mar 22, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fighting through with hip dysplasia
by: Cara

Thanks for writing back, Dr. B.

I never wanted kids bad enough to have them, and this pretty much solidifies it (the relaxin would do my already bad hips in). I'm glad I don't have to worry about passing this condition on to someone else.

What can a chiro do besides assess leg length? There's a really great chiro in my area who is willing to learn with me, so I can relay to him or put him in touch with you. What should I tell him to do?

Thanks for the encouragement. It's going to be a journey. I've already decided a hip replacement under 50 is out of the question, so it's up to me to make that happen. Cheers.

Hello Cara,
There's plenty that can be done provided you accept up front that a cure is not what's on offer. I find that working with the hip itself, the soft tissues around the joint, the sacroiliac and leg length that something like 30 to 60 percent relief can be obtained.

After the initial treatment period, a monthly visit is on the cards. If you're prepared to accept those terms then it often means delaying the hip replacement for years.

First hip replacements are quite successful in the main, but second and third are difficult. I'm right now treating someone who is where you have been; he's seventy and going for his third replacement. The cup has come loose.

Do whatever you can to delay the hip replacement to 60 odd. If a monthly visit to the chiropractor can achieve that, you can be well pleased.

By all means suggest he contract me; some doctors are more than happy to help from others. Others know it all, so what's the point?

Send me a copy of the xray; it would be good to see.

Dr B

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