Hip Center

International Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Hip Disorders

Michelle’s hip dysplasia halted her dream of dancing. Orthopedic Surgery by Dr. Salil Upasani got her back to pursuing her passion. Watch her incredible story on CBS 8.

The hip preservation center is comprised of an expert team of orthopedic surgeons who have extensively researched hip disorders.

The orthopedic surgeon’s areas of expertise for patients at the hip preservation center include a wide variety of traumatic, congenital, and developmental conditions (including ones involving hip pain) of the hip.

The Center’s goal is to provide world-class care for children, adolescents, and some young adult patients by applying the hip condition knowledge that our world-renowned faculty has gained through their clinical experience and research. As the biology and mechanics of the hip in a developing human are much different than in an adult, our medical and surgical care is tailored to the special needs of the growing child, such as aiding with hip pain and hip preservation.

Our hip condition program begins with orthopedic surgeon care for the infant and includes sophisticated office-based ultrasound analysis of hip dysplasia. As the use of corrective harnesses for baby hip problems was developed at our Center, we have established one of the largest Pavlik harness treatment programs internationally.

As the child gets older, our medical professionals provide advanced knowledge regarding the treatment and surgical management of all complex hip disorders, extending into late adolescence and on occasion, into young adulthood.

The late teen/young adult program focuses on management of the recently defined hip impingement syndromes, commonly seen in young athletes.

Along with providing highly specialized orthopedic surgery for hip preservation, the Center offers:

• Access to and referral for advanced imaging studies
• Parent and patient education
• Expert consultation on the development and progression of all childhood hip conditions
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Destination Care for Pediatric Hip Conditions

The International Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Hip Disorders was launched at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego in 2009. The hip center is now widely recognized throughout the United States and the world as a leading referral center for both simple and complex hip conditions and problems. For more information, contact Matthew Schmitz, M.D. at mschmitz1@rchsd.org.

Conditions Treated

We specialize in treating:

• Hip dysplasia
• Femoroacetabular Impingement
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Pediatric Hip Center Team

The Pediatric Hip Center’s board-certified surgeons have specific advanced training in pediatric orthopedics and have conducted extensive research regarding the care of childhood hip conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What hip conditions does the Rady Children’s Hip Center treat?
The International Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Hip Disorders specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of childhood and adolescent hip conditions, including hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide care tailored to each child’s age, diagnosis and stage of development — from infants through young adults.

How do I know if my child needs to be seen at the Hip Center?
If your child has been diagnosed with a hip condition, is experiencing hip pain, has a limp, or has limited range of motion in the hip or leg, they may benefit from an evaluation at our Center. Infants whose pediatrician has detected a hip click or asymmetry during a routine exam may also be candidates for our program. We encourage families to talk to their child’s primary care provider about a referral.

Does my child need a referral to be seen at the Hip Center?
Most visits to the Hip Center are scheduled by referral. Please ask your child’s primary care provider or specialist to refer your child to our program. For questions about new or existing referrals, contact us at 858-966-6789 (San Diego) or 951-600-1640 (Murrieta).

What is hip dysplasia and how is it treated in children?
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket does not fully cover the ball of the upper thigh bone, causing an unstable or dislocated hip. In infants, it is often treated with a Pavlik harness — a soft brace that holds the hip in the correct position while it develops. Our Center developed the use of corrective harnesses for infant hip problems and has established one of the largest Pavlik harness treatment programs in the world. For older children and adolescents, surgical options may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition.

My child is a young athlete with hip pain. Can the Hip Center help?
Yes. Our program includes a dedicated focus on hip impingement syndromes (femoroacetabular impingement), which are commonly seen in active teens and young adults. If your child is experiencing groin pain, stiffness, or a catching sensation in the hip during activity, our team can evaluate whether hip impingement or a labral tear may be contributing to their symptoms. Learn more about hip impingement and labral tears.

Is the Rady Children’s Hip Center available to families outside of San Diego?
Yes. The Hip Center was founded as an international destination program and sees patients from across the United States and around the world. Families in southwest Riverside County can also access our orthopedic specialists closer to home at our Murrieta Medical Plaza location. For families traveling from out of the area, our Destination Medicine team can assist with coordinating care.

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