UNDERSTANDING HIP DYSPLASIA: WHAT IT IS

Hip dysplasia is a medical condition that affects the hip joint. When you have hip dysplasia, it means that your hip joint didn’t develop the right way. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The top of your thigh bone (the femoral head) is the “ball.” The part of your pelvis that holds it is the “socket.” In a healthy hip, the ball fits snugly into the socket.

But if you have hip dysplasia, the ball and socket don’t fit together the way they should. This makes the hip joint unstable. It can move around too much or even slip out of place. Over time, this can lead to pain, problems with walking, and early arthritis.

Doctors often call hip dysplasia “developmental dysplasia of the hip.” It can happen in babies, kids, teens, or even adults. Some people are born with it. Others develop it as they grow.

HOW COMMON IS HIP DYSPLASIA?

Hip dysplasia is more common than many people think. Doctors say that about 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 babies are born with hip dysplasia. In fact, it’s the most common hip problem in children.It’s one of the main reasons doctors do newborn screening checks and hip exams at doctor visits.

But some cases of hip dysplasia are mild at birth and may not be found right away. Some babies have hips that feel stable early on but become more unstable as they grow and start to walk. Research shows that about 1 in every 100 babies has a hip that is loose at birth. But, only about 1 in 1,000 will need treatment with a brace or surgery.

For adults, the numbers are harder to track because some people don’t know they have it until later in life. Some research suggests that about 10% of hip replacements in adults under age 50 are due to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is also one of the top causes of early hip osteoarthritis in teens and adults. Some experts believe that up to 10% of all hip replacements in adults under age 50 are done because of hip dysplasia. That’s a lot of people who have to deal with hip pain and limited movement.

Recent studies using advanced MRI scans show that up to 20% of people with hip pain may have mild forms of hip dysplasia that were never diagnosed when they were children. This is sometimes called acetabular dysplasia, which means the hip socket is too shallow to fully cover and support the ball of the hip joint.

WHAT CAUSES HIP DYSPLASIA?

Doctors don’t always know exactly why hip dysplasia happens. But they do know that some things can raise your risk:

Family history: If your parents or siblings have hip dysplasia, you’re more likely to have it too.
Position in the womb: Babies who were breech in the womb have a higher chance of hip dysplasia.
Gender: Girls are more likely to have hip dysplasia than boys.
First-born babies: First babies have less room in the womb, so they have a higher chance of hip problems.

Sometimes, people don’t find out they have hip dysplasia until they are teens or adults. For example, a young athlete may start to have hip pain and find out their hip joint didn’t form correctly.

SYMPTOMS OF HIP DYSPLASIA

The symptoms of hip dysplasia vary depending on your age and how severe the condition is. In babies, there may not be any obvious signs at first, which is why doctors check for hip dysplasia right after birth and during doctor visits. Early treatment can help prevent long-term problems.

In teenagers and adults, hip dysplasia can become worse as the hip joint starts to wear out. Many people don’t realize they have hip dysplasia until they begin to experience pain or other symptoms in their teens or adulthood, especially if they are active in sports or jobs that require standing and walking for long periods.

In adults, the signs of hip dysplasia can include:

Hip pain, especially when walking or standing for a long time. The pain may start off mild but can worsen over time.
A feeling that your hip “gives out” or is not stable, which can make it hard to trust the joint during daily activities.
A limp or uneven walking pattern.
Clicking or popping in the hip joint.
Stiffness in the hip, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Pain that gradually gets worse and may spread to the groin, buttocks, or even the knee.

People with hip dysplasia are likely to get early arthritis in their hips.

This happens because the ball and socket do not line up correctly, causing uneven pressure and faster wear and tear of the cartilage. Without treatment, this can lead to chronic pain, reduced motion, and eventually the need for hip replacement surgery at a younger age than usual. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early treatment can help protect your hip joint.

HOW DO DOCTORS DIAGNOSE HIP DYSPLASIA?

If your doctor thinks you may have hip dysplasia, they will start by taking a detailed medical history and asking you about your symptoms. They will want to know when your pain started, how severe it is, and whether certain activities make it better or worse.

Next, they will do a physical exam. During this exam, your doctor may move your leg in different directions to see how your hip joint moves and whether it causes pain or feels like it is not stable.

They will also order images of your hip. This can include:

X-rays: These show the shape and position of the hip bones. They can help determine how well the ball and socket fit together and reveal any signs of arthritis.
MRI or CT scans: These give a more detailed view of the soft tissues. An MRI can detect tears or other damage that might be missed on an X-ray. A CT scan is sometimes used to create 3D images that can help plan surgery.

A proper diagnosis is very important. Hip dysplasia can look like other hip problems, so you need to know exactly what’s wrong to get the right treatment.

TREATMENTS FOR HIP DYSPLASIA

The good news is that hip dysplasia can be treated. The right treatment depends on how old you are, how bad the dysplasia is, and how much pain you have.

1. Treatment for Babies and Children

For babies, doctors often use a brace called a Pavlik harness. This keeps the baby’s hips in the right position so the hip joint can form properly.

Sometimes, babies need a closed reduction. This is a type of surgery where the doctor moves the hip back into place while the baby is under anesthesia. After that, the baby wears a special cast.

If hip dysplasia isn’t found until the child is older, they might need open surgery to fix the joint.

2. Treatment for Teens and Adults

If you’re a teen or an adult with hip dysplasia, your doctor will look at your hip damage and your level of pain. Non-surgical treatments include:

Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip.
Pain medicine.
Activity changes to protect the hip joint.

But many people with hip dysplasia eventually need surgery. The main surgeries include:

Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO): This surgery cuts the bone around the hip socket and moves it into a better position. This helps the ball fit better in the socket. It’s most common for teens and young adults with mild or moderate hip dysplasia.

Hip Replacement Surgery: If your hip joint has too much damage, you may need a total hip replacement. The surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial hip. Hip replacements can reduce pain and help you move better.

HIP DYSPLASIA CAN KEEP YOU FROM WORKING

Yes, for many people hip dysplasia can make working difficult or even impossible. Hip pain can make it hard to stand, walk, lift things, or sit for long periods. Many jobs require you to be on your feet or bend down often, which can be too painful if you have hip dysplasia.

Generally, you will not win SSDI benefits if you are working. However, whether one’s work is “substantial gainful activity” is determined by the amount of money you are earning. The SSA also looks at other factors beyond your monthly pay. For example, a part time job or a low paying full time job, can still qualify as SGA. Find out about working and SSDI benefits.

Likewise, even jobs that are physically easy and require few skills, can be SGA. Also, your job performance and the time spent at work are factors the SSA will consider. The issue is the ability to engage in SGA, not the work itself.

Therefore, poor performance on a job may be proof you have a severe physical or mental condition. Whereas, if you are able to perform volunteer activities, even though you are not paid, it may prove you can work.

The amount of money you earn may also prove to the SSA that you are capable of SGA. The SSA sets yearly figures for the amount of money that qualifies as SGA. However, the SSA must still inquire into your job performance, job duties, and evidence of assistance from your employer.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR TWO TYPES OF SSD BENEFITS

Qualifying for SSD benefits means you have a severe medical condition, like hip disorder, that prevents you from working at any job. The symptoms of hip dysplasia must prevent you from working for greater than 12 months. The SSA uses a five step review process to determine if they can pay you benefits. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of benefit for which you can apply:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

SSDI benefits are for those who can no longer work due to a severe medical condition. The amount of money you receive from SSDI benefits is based on the taxes you paid during your working years. To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits. You can file an application on the Social Security website.

A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you will need depends on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits at the time, then you will only be able to file for SSI benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for only those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who has greater than $2000 in savings cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income and assets of those who live with you, such as a spouse.

If you have a spouse who earns $5000 a month, then that income prevents you from getting SSI benefits. The same rule applies if you are living with a boyfriend and he is paying your bills. Also, the same rule applies if you are living with your common law wife and she is paying your bills. You cannot get SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.

DOES HIP DYSPLASIA MEET AN SSA LISTING?

To qualify for SSDI benefits or SSI benefits, you must prove that your medical condition is severe enough to prevent you from doing all work. The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions known as the Blue Book. The Listings are rules that describe conditions that qualify for disability benefits because they are severe and keep you from working.

There is no specific Listing for hip dysplasia. But that does not mean you can’t get benefits. If your hip dysplasia causes severe hip joint damage and pain, you may qualify under Listing 1.18 for Abnormality of a Major Joint in Any Extremity. This Listing covers hip joints that have severe pain, and limited movement.

To meet Listing 1.18, you must show:

You have severe hip joint problems that limit your ability to walk effectively.
You need help walking or need an assistive device like a cane, walker, or crutches.

If your hip dysplasia does not meet a Listing, you can still qualify if you can prove you cannot do any work because of your limitations. The SSA will look at your age, education, work history, and physical abilities.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE LISTING?

Most people with hip dysplasia don’t meet an SSA Listing. But you can still win your case if you show that your pain, limited movement, and need for surgery make it impossible to work for at least one year.

You will need medical evidence like:

X-rays or MRI results showing the hip damage.
Reports from your doctor that discuss your limits.
A list of treatments you have tried and whether they worked.
A statement from your doctor about how your hip problems keep you from working.

The SSA will look at how much you can lift, stand, walk, or sit. If you can’t do these things enough to keep a job, then you may qualify for SSD benefits for hip dysplasia.

TIPS FOR FILING AN APPLICATION FOR HIP DYSPLASIA BENEFITS

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be difficult, but you can make your claim stronger by:

Getting regular treatment. Keep all your doctor appointments and follow their advice.
Telling your doctor about all your symptoms, even if they seem small.
Keeping a pain journal. Write down how much pain you have each day and what you can’t do because of your hip.
Asking your doctor to write a detailed statement about your limitations.

It can take months to get an answer from SSA, so don’t give up. Many people get denied at first but win on appeal.

CAN YOU WORK WITH HIP DYSPLASIA?

Some people with mild hip dysplasia can still work. But if you have severe pain or need surgery, then working may not be possible. Many jobs involve standing, lifting, bending, or walking — all of which can make hip pain worse.

If you have to take too many breaks, miss work often, or can’t sit or stand long enough, your employer may not be able to keep you on the job. That’s why it’s important to know your rights and apply for disability benefits if you can’t work.

HOW OUR SSD LAW FIRM CAN HELP YOU WIN BENEFITS

We have helped thousands of people get disability benefits for joint problems like hip dysplasia. Also, we can help you gather the right records, work with your doctors, and represent you at your SSA hearing.

If you’re struggling with hip dysplasia and believe you can no longer work, the first step is to talk to your doctor. Make sure your doctor has written down all of your symptoms. Also, make sure you are following through with treatment. Keep a record of your daily challenges, including pain levels and how your condition affects your routine.

Next, contact our legal team. We offer a free review of your SSD case. Additionally, we will evaluate your case to determine the best path forward. Whether you are just starting your application or need to appeal a denial, we are here to help. We don’t get paid unless you win SSD benefits, so there’s no risk in calling us.

Living with chronic pain is hard enough. You don’t have to fight the SSA alone. Let us put our legal experience to work for you. We can help you secure the benefits you need to move forward with your life. We are the best SSD law firm you can hire. Our team has won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases, many of those for people with hip pain.

Our team knows how painful hip dysplasia can be. We will fight for you so you can focus on your health and recovery. If you have questions about your case, then don’t wait. Contact our SSD law firm today. You don’t pay an attorney fee us unless we win your case.

HIP DYSPLASIA & SSD BENEFITS