Thomas Ellis, MD·Ohio's Foremost Expert in Young Adult Hip Pain
Get back to the activities you love
About Hip Dysplasia
In acetabular dysplasia the hip socket is poorly developed, resulting in a socket that is shallow and shaped like a saucer, rather than a cup. The top of the socket is obliquely inclined, and incompletely covers the ball. This results in abnormally high stress on the outer edge of the socket (also called acetabulum) and leads to early damage to the acetabular articular cartilage (white substance on the end of a chicken bone) or the adjacent acetabular labrum. The labrum is a soft tissue bumper that attaches to the rim of the socket. Once this damage occurs, people often begin experiencing hip pain.
Most people with acetabular dysplasia do not have hip pain during childhood, but many develop pain during adolescence and early adulthood. The pain is typically dull and achy and may be in the groin, side of hip or buttock. Occasionally patients will feel sharp catching pain along with the aching pain.
A hip dysplasia diagnosis is confirmed with an x-ray. An MRI or MRI arthrogram (MRI with dye placed in the hip joint) can assess the condition of the joint cartilage and labrum.
Help is available if you have hip dysplasia — learn more about your treatment options.
I was 34 years old, in the best physical shape of my life. As a law enforcement officer, I was used to exercising everyday, never once thinking about what it would mean if my normal daily living was altered. While on duty, I suffered what would be a serious injury to my left hip. I was seen by several doctors who recommended me to another doctor back home (all the other doctors thought my injury was too complicated for them to fix). This doctor attempted to fix my hip, but on the operating table he realized my injuries were to severe for him to fix. He backed out and recommended Dr. Thomas Ellis. I was advised that Dr. Ellis was the doctor who could fix me.
From the very first, I could see why Dr. Ellis was thought of in such high regard. He was very professional and knowledgeable about complicated hip conditions. It would be easy to end there with my testimonial, but that would not due justice to my story and the blessing of Dr. Ellis.
Dr. Ellis performed what would be my first successful hip surgery. I was seen by him and another doctor afterwards, both giving me a great prognosis report, unfortunately I fell 10 days after surgery, causing all kinds of complications.
Dr. Ellis went above and beyond to repair my hip trying to get me back to a normal life where I could enjoy my normal daily activities, which include caring for my toddler, son after my fall. I have had my hip replaced as a result of my complications from a fall. I was lucky to have him perform this surgery as well.
He answers all questions and provides you with detailed timetables and expectations you can have after surgery. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, as Dr. Ellis has provided care to me I have never known by a doctor. As a result of my life being altered so much from my injuries I have developed some severe depression and anxiety. Dr. Ellis has been there every step of the way caring about my physical and mental well-being. He helped refer me to see someone who could help me deal with the emotional aspect of my injury in addition to asking me how I am mentally doing every time I go to his office. I share this to give readers a perspective of his bedside manner.
This caring atmosphere is not only shared by Dr. Ellis though. The entire staff shows the same professionalism and caring to each of their patients. I have never had a bad experience or interaction with anyone at Orthopedic ONE.
If you are nervous or scared about your future due to injury, Dr. Ellis and the staff at Orthopedic ONE are the ones you want go with!
I was really active in college, but began experiencing hip and back pain. Doctors said I had hip dysplasia – but offered no next step. I thought this was just how my life was going to be. After searching for solutions online, I found experts at Orthopedic ONE who could fix my problem. I got off crutches and never looked back. Orthopedic ONE absolutely changed my life.