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How can congenital hip dysplasia lead to osteoarthritis of the hip?

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Congenital hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip, is a condition where the pelvic socket (acetabulum) fails to properly encapsulate the rounded head of the femur. This anatomical mismatch creates a loose joint, which places abnormal, concentrated stress on the cartilage and the labrum—the fibrocartilage layer that cushions the joint rim.12

This condition is considered a primary cause of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. Because the joint does not fit correctly, the mechanical loading of the hip becomes faulty. Over time, this persistent stress leads to the abrasive wearing away of the articular cartilage and a subsequent reshaping of the adjacent bone ends. As the cartilage degrades, the joint loses its protective cushioning, resulting in the degenerative changes characteristic of osteoarthritis. If left unaddressed, this process can lead to significant joint deterioration, often requiring surgical intervention such as an osteotomy or total joint replacement.32