Module 1 – About Osteoarthritis Of The Hip (Duration 02:30)
What is osteoarthritis of the hip? who does it affect, known causes and how it presents in patients.
Please watch the video above in full then click the ‘Hip Condition Questions’ box below or the right navigation arrow at the top of the page to proceed.
About Osteoarthritis Of The Hip
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. It is formed where the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) articulates with the acetabulum (part of the pelvis). The joint is covered by articular cartilage, a rubber-like material that reduces friction, and allows free movement of the “ball” in the “socket”. Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage, therefore increasing friction, causing pain, and restricting movement. Osteoarthritis of the hip affects approximately one in every 20 people over the age of 50. It also affects younger people, both male and female. Primary osteoarthritis occurs without any known cause. This is thought to be genetic in origin. Secondary osteoarthritis occurs as a result of predisposing factors, such as infection, trauma, osteonecrosis, and congenital deformities of the hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip may present in several ways. It usually causes pain, especially in the groin. In the early stages of the disease, this pain can be mild, and intermittent. It might only occur upon exertion. As the disease progresses, the pain may become more severe and constant, and can cause difficulty sleeping. In addition, the pain can spread, usually down the front of the thigh, and very often into the knee. Indeed, sometimes the knee pain is more severe than the groin pain. This is called “referred” pain. In addition to pain, osteoarthritis can cause stiffness of the hip, especially first thing in the morning. This can cause problems with simple activities, such as getting dressed, or getting in and out of a car. As the disease progresses, it can cause problems with negotiating stairs. Patients often walk with a limp, a so-called “Trendelenberg” gait. This is due to weakness of the abductor muscles that support the hip, and is indicative of advanced disease of the hip. As the disease worsens, the leg can shorten. This can also cause limping, as well as a transfer of pain to the lower back.
Please click the 'Hip Condition Questions' box below or the right navigation arrow at the top of the page to proceed.
