The growing hip is characterized by the interaction of 11 growth plate
s. It is a dynamic process involving the hierarchic action of several
parameters: size, depth, orientation of the acetabulum, alignment and
elongation of the femoral neck, coverage and configuration of the femo
ral head, morphology of the pelvis, and consistency of the periarticul
ar muscles and soft tissues. There are changing patterns of proximal f
emoral vascularity, and nothing is achieved until the end of growth. T
he most latent dysplasia can be seen at puberty. A long-term analysis
is essential since morphological abnormalities decompensate only after
several years. As time goes on, it is difficult to catch up with abno
rmal growth. There is a mutual dependence between the femoral head and
the acetabulum, but the growth of the acetabulum doesn't match that o
f the femur and seems to move ahead of it.