Understanding Adult Hip Dysplasia: Clinical Presentation, Assessment Techniques and Exercise-Driven Management Strategies

Hip dysplasia is a common cause of hip-related pain in young adults. At its core, hip dysplasia defines a shallow or oblique acetabulum, which results in inadequate acetabular coverage of the femoral head. The implications of hip dysplasia extend beyond discomfort, as people with the condition are at greater risk of early-onset hip osteoarthritis, with many requiring major hip surgery. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is frequently overlooked by clinicians, leading to delayed diagnosis and subsequent adverse outcomes, including debilitating pain, functional impairments, and poor quality of life. Diagnosing hip dysplasia is often challenging due to its variable clinical presentation, its overlap with other conditions, and the absence of standard diagnostic criteria. These factors can delay timely diagnosis. Despite the challenges, an emerging body of research provides valuable insight into the management of hip dysplasia. Clinical Question How can new and existing evidence on hip dysplasia be synthesized to support clinicians in understanding its etiopathogenesis and diagnostic approaches—including both imaging and clinical evaluation—and in optimizing management strategies to enable timely diagnosis and treatment of this common condition?