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A condition of abnormal development of the hip joint resulting instability and / or dislocation of the femur from the socket in the pelvis. For a more detailed description of the condition, prognosis, treatment and all the medical information you can try this link (which I thought was quite helpful http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00043600.html  or even a search using "congenital hip dysplasia" or "developmental hip dysplasia" will get you heaps of medical information.

I was diagnosed at 14 months, at which time my hip was dislocated in the extreme.  Much reconstructive surgery followed.  My acetabular (socket) had to be basically rebuilt - as it was way to small and shallow for my femur head.  The ligaments between the socket and femur head had to be cut.  At the end of my first series of plates and screws, my left leg was a full inch and half shorter than my right.

Over the years operation after operation followed.  In my opinion some were unnecessary - the derotation of my left knee, for instance, which no one can explain to me.  An attempt was made to slow the growth in my right leg by removing the growth discs which are found in the knee.  This was supremely unsuccessful.  I ended up with much the same difference in length of legs, maybe even slightly more.

At the age of 21 I had my first Total Hip Replacement.  It was my 35th operation - only three of which were not related to my hip!!  It was a resounding success and I cried as I saw my left and right feet level for the first time in my life!  The post operative muscle pain was excruciating and indescribable.  My leg had been stretched as far as possible before the nerves and tendons snapped.  It took months of exercise and muscle relaxants to recover, but after recovery I had virtually no pain for the next eleven years.

Then my replacement broke.  The x-rays were devastating.  Screws broken off in bone and the loss of bone was terrifying.  I had this all repaired in 2003.  It wasn't straight forward at all and I ended up going under anaesthetic 5 times to get it right.  My hip kept dislocating due to the weakness (non-existence) of the muscles in that area.  I also picked up a superficial infection. I had to have a bone graft, a cage and various other "hardware" installed!  As my 6 year old son says - "Mommy has a robot leg!"

At the end of 2007 I found out that my hip was broken again!  Disaster - and a lot to do with my abusive ex-husbands violent behaviour and having to live in a caravan for awhile (which is an adventure but a very active way of life with lots of heavy lifting etc.)

Anyway my hip has been replaced for the third time - this time with a hip that does not easily dislocate.  It feels great to be mobile again, and almost but not completely pain free.  I can swim and take walks again. Hopefully I will be able to regain a healthy fitness level this way! 

My shoe is built up 12 mm (which isn't really very much) and my lip is hugely improved. 

That's my story.  I live with my condition everyday - as do many others - that's where my interests lie.  Pain management.  Self-confidence.  Coping mechanisms.  There are many places that deal with the nuts and bolts of this condition - but those of us with conditions like these have to face the life and soul of it. 

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