Osteoarthrosis of the Hip

Introduction

Osteoarthrosis is a painful and disabling condition of the hip which results from wear and tear of the cartilage surfaces of the hip joint.

Causes

This may result from prior injury, long term contact sports or be the end point of other hip disease processes such as Rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic illnesses causing chronic joint inflammation.

Symptoms

The pain is generally felt in the groin. There may be associated stiffness which makes walking or other simple tasks such as tying shoe laces difficult.

Tests

Osteoarthrosis is usually diagnosed with a plain x-ray of the hip and pelvis. Occasionally an MRI scan is required.

Treatment

It is normally treated in its more mild and early stages with exercises, physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If this approach is not helping the symptoms, it can be treated successfully by total hip replacement.

Related Information

Total hip replacement