ObjectiveTo review the imaging evaluation, treatment progress, and controversy related to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in adolescents and adults. Methods The domestic and abroad hot issues related to adolescents and adults with DDH in recent years, including new imaging techniques for assessing cartilage, controversies over the diagnosis and treatment of borderline DDH (BDDH), and the improvement and prospect of peracetabular osteotomy (PAO) were summarized and analyzed. ResultsDDH is one of the main factors leading to hip osteoarthritis. As the understanding of the pathological changes of DDH continues to deepen, the use of delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage can further evaluate the progress of osteoarthritis and predict the prognosis after hip preservation. There are still controversies about the diagnosis and treatment of BDDH. At the same time, PAO technology and concepts are still being improved. ConclusionCartilage injury and bony structure determine the choice of surgical methods and postoperative prognosis of hip preservation surgery. The hip preservation of adolescent and adult DDH patients will move towards the goal of individualization and accuracy.