Acetabular (Hip) Dysplasia 

Overview

Acetabular dysplasia is a condition defined by inadequate development of an individual's acetabulum. The resulting acetabulum is shallow and "dish shaped" rather than "cup shaped". The upper portion (roof) of the acetabulum is obliquely inclined outward rather than having the normal horizontal orientation.

Symptoms & Causes

Because of these abnormalities, the superior and usually anterior femoral head are incompletely covered by this dysplastic acetabulum. Individuals with acetabular dysplasia usually develop through childhood and adolescence without symptoms or knowledge of their abnormality.

By the age of 30 however the patient typically experiences pain from their hip and they often seek medical evaluation and an X-ray discloses the abnormality (acetabular dysplasia). Other patients may have been treated for hip problems as an infant or child. Read More »  

Acetabular Fractures 

Overview

Acetabulum fractures often result from automobile or motorcycle accidents, falls from great heights and industrial accidents, when a accidental strong force drives the head of the femur through the acetabulum. Fractures of the acetabulum disrupt the smooth surface and precise fit of the hip joint. If the bone is allowed to heal with large gaps and irregularities, severe abrasion to and the ultimate destruction of the cartilage will result. In some cases, the bone itself will show wear.

The consequence: severe hip arthritis . Patients who develop arthritis have pain when walking, loss of hip motion, and limited functional capabilities. Fractures of the acetabulum cause internal bleeding from the broken bone and the surrounding injured soft tissues. Major blood vessels may be torn, causing severe bleeding. There can be damage to internal organs, such as the bowel or bladder. The nerves that provide sensation and muscle function to the leg or that control bowel, bladder and sexual function may also be impaired. Read More » 

Arthritis 

If you suffer from knee pain, it’s possible you have arthritis. Knee arthritis is caused by the deterioration of cartilage in the knee joint. The two most common types of knee arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease in which the cartilage of the knee slowly wears away. Cartilage serves as insulation between the bones of the joint, and when the cartilage of the knee joint wears away due to osteoarthritis, the resulting pain and inflammation can be debilitating.  Your chances of osteoarthritis of the knee increase with age; the condition most often affects middle-aged and older people. Osteoarthritis may first appear between the ages of 30 and 40, though symptoms may not be present in the early stages. By the age of 70 almost everyone will have this type of knee arthritis. Read More »