Hip Disorders

Condition

OA
Osteoarthritis is the final common pathway of joint degeneration. In the hip, osteoarthritis is often preceded by hip dysplasia or hip impingement with increased damage to the articular cartilage from mechanical factors. In addition to mechanical factors, genetic factors have some influence on the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis has a higher prevalence in certain families. This has been attributed to a number of gene mutations as well as the tendency for anatomical abnormalities to be passed from parent to offspring.

The pain felt from osteoarthritis often does not match the degree of arthritis on the radiographs. For example, many patients present with severe arthritis that has taken many decades to develop may complain of pain for only a few months. The factors responsive for pain in arthritis are currently not fully known. Currently, most experts feel that the pain is carried from the bone directly under the cartilage, the tissue surrounding the joint (the synovium), nerves that are overly sensitized, as well the normal variations between individuals.

Currently, the treatment of hip osteoarthritis has focused initially on medications, physical therapy for maintenance of range of motion, and muscle strengthening. As a last resort, surgical treatments may be indicated. The surgical treatment should be customized to the specific nature of the hip arthritis. In some cases, the joint can be preserved without a joint replacement. This may be preferable due to risk of complications with joint replacements, particularly in the young, active population.