What Happens If I Wait?

Many patients diagnosed with hip dysplasia, hip instability, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are not ready to pursue surgery immediately. It is completely reasonable to ask:

“What happens if I wait?”

The answer depends on the underlying hip condition, symptom severity, activity level, and joint health. This page explains when waiting may be appropriate—and when delaying treatment can affect long-term hip preservation options.

When Waiting May Be Reasonable

In some situations, a period of observation or nonoperative treatment is appropriate. This may include:

Mild or intermittent symptoms
Stable hip anatomy without significant instability
Good response to physical therapy
Low-impact activity demands
No signs of cartilage damage on imaging

In these cases, patients are often monitored with periodic exams and imaging.

When Waiting Can Become a Problem

For patients with hip dysplasia or structural instability, delaying treatment can allow ongoing joint damage to progress.

Potential consequences of waiting include:

Progressive labral damage

The labrum absorbs excessive force in unstable hips. Over time, tears may enlarge or recur, even after repair.

Cartilage wear

Ongoing instability increases contact stress, accelerating cartilage breakdown and increasing arthritis risk.

Increasing pain and activity limitation

Symptoms often worsen gradually, limiting sports, work, and daily activities.

Loss of hip preservation options

As cartilage damage progresses, certain procedures—such as PAO—may no longer be appropriate.

How Hip Dysplasia Changes the Timeline

Hip dysplasia is a structural condition. While symptoms may fluctuate, the underlying instability does not resolve on its own.

Waiting in dysplasia may lead to:

Increased risk of early arthritis
Reduced durability of future surgical repair
Higher likelihood of requiring joint replacement later in life

This does not mean surgery is always urgent—but timing matters.

What About Physical Therapy and Nonoperative Care?

Physical therapy can be very helpful for:

Improving strength and movement patterns
Reducing compensatory pain
Managing symptoms short-term

However, therapy does not correct socket coverage or instability. In patients with dysplasia, nonoperative care may delay—but not prevent—progression.

Woman doing a yoga stretch, representing mobility before hip treatment is delayed.

Does Waiting Always Make Surgery Worse?

Not always.

Some patients remain stable for years with careful management. Others experience gradual progression. This is why individualized evaluation and follow-up are critical.

Factors that influence progression include:

Degree of dysplasia or instability

Activity level

Age

Cartilage health

Presence of hypermobility or EDS

Empty medical waiting room, symbolizing delays in seeking hip treatment.

How Surgeons Decide When to Recommend Surgery

At the International Center for Hip Preservation, timing decisions are based on:

Imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT when needed)
Physical exam findings
Symptom pattern and progression
Activity goals
Joint health

The goal is to intervene before irreversible damage occurs, while avoiding unnecessary surgery.

Dr. Hugate pointing to a hip X-ray while explaining a Ganz osteotomy for hip dysplasia.

Signs It May Be Time to Reconsider Waiting

Increasing or persistent hip pain
Mechanical symptoms (catching, locking, giving way)
Reduced ability to participate in sports or daily activities
New imaging showing cartilage damage
Failure of nonoperative treatment

You should consider re-evaluation if you experience:

Illustration of a human figure with highlighted hip area representing hip pain.

Summary

Waiting is not inherently wrong—but waiting without guidance can limit future options.

For patients with hip dysplasia or instability, early evaluation and thoughtful timing are key to preserving the joint and maintaining long-term function.

If you are unsure whether waiting is appropriate for your hip, a consultation with a hip preservation specialist can help clarify your options.