(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study reveals the condition acetabular dysplasia is a strong independent indicator for the development of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip.

Acetabular dysplasia is a developmental condition, often present at birth. It is marked by a shallow hip pocket and makes the hip unstable. In some extreme cases, it can make the hip prone to dislocation. These cases are also linked to premature hip OA, but the influence of moderate acetabular dysplasia is less clear.

Osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the leading causes of disability among the elderly. In addition to severe acetabular dysplasisa, its development is associated with multiple factors, including genes, age, gender, hormones, and body mass index.

Researchers from the Netherlands studied 835 seniors. Over a follow-up period averaging six years, participants were examined through radiographs for definite signs of hip OA. Those with acetabular dysplasia had about a four-times increased risk for OA of the hip. More women than men with acetabular dysplasia had severe hip OA.

Researchers conclude acetabular dysplasia is a strong, independent indicator for the development of hip OA. They also believe the association between the two conditions would be even greater in a younger population.