Orthopedics



Patient Story
Successful heart surgery at We Care India partner hospital allows Robert Clarke to live a normal life despite a rare genetic disorder We Care india helped Robert find best super specialised surgeon for his rare condition.

Read    : Robert's Story
See All : Success Stories

Home > Treatments Available > Hip Surgery > Osteoarthritis     Bookmark and Share Go Back Print This Page Add to Favorites

 


Overview

 





Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem for many people after middle age. OA is sometimes referred to as degenerative, or wear-and-tear, arthritis. OA commonly affects the hip joint. In the past, little was done for the condition. Now doctors have many ways to treat hip OA so patients have less pain, better movement, and improved quality of life.

The commonest problem with the hip joint is osteoarthritis. Patients often complain of groin pain, which is worse on walking. They often complain of stiffness, first thing in the morning and have symptoms related to stiffness of the hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a disease which wears away the cartilage between the femoral head and the acetabulum, eventually causing the two bones to scrape against each other, raw bone on raw bone. When this happens, the joint becomes pitted, eroded and uneven. The result is pain, stiffness and instability, and in some cases, motion of the leg may be greatly restricted.

Patients with osteoarthritis often develop large bone spurs, or osteophytes, around the joint, further limiting motion.

Osteoarthritis is a common, degenerative disease, and although it most often occurs in patients over the age of 50, it can occur at any age, especially if the joint is in some way damaged.



Anatomy


Articular cartilage is the smooth lining that covers the surfaces of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. The cartilage gives the joint freedom of movement by decreasing friction. The layer of bone just below the articular cartilage is called subchondral bone. The main problem in OA is degeneration of the articular cartilage.

When the articular cartilage degenerates, or wears away, the subchondral bone is uncovered and rubs against bone. Small outgrowths called bone spurs or osteophytes may form in the joint.

Causes


Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition commonly referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. Although the degenerative process may accelerate in persons with a previous hip injury, many cases of osteoarthritis occur when the hip simply wears out. Some experts believe there may exist a genetic predisposition in people who develop osteoarthritis of the hip.

Abnormalities of the hip due to previous fractures or childhood disorders may also lead to a degenerative hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip is the most common cause for both total hip replacement and hip resurfacing.



Symptoms


Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity
  • Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure
  • Stiffness in a joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity
  • Loss of flexibility may make it difficult to use the joint
  • Grating sensation when you use the joint
  • Bone spurs, which appear as hard lumps, may form around the affected joint
  • Swelling in some cases


Osteoarthritis symptoms most commonly affect the hands, hips, knees and spine. Unless you've been injured or placed unusual stress on a joint, it's uncommon for osteoarthritis symptoms to affect your jaw, shoulder, elbows, wrists or ankles.



Risk factors


Factors that increase your risk of osteoarthritis include:

  • Older age - Osteoarthritis typically occurs in older adults. People under 40 rarely experience osteoarthritis.
  • Sex - Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why.
  • Bone deformities - Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
  • Joint injuries - Injuries, such as those that occur when playing sports or from an accident, may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
  • Obesity - Carrying more body weight places more stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as your knees. But obesity has also been linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hands, as well.
  • Other diseases - that affect the bones and joints. Bone and joint diseases that increase the risk of osteoarthritis include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease of bone and septic arthritis.




When to seek medical advice ?

If you have swelling or stiffness in your joints that lasts for more than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor.

If you're already taking medication for osteoarthritis, contact your doctor if you're experiencing side effects from arthritis medications. Tell your doctor if you experience side effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, black or tarry stools, constipation, or drowsiness.


Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis


Hip osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms. Treatment plans should be personalized to each patient, according to the American College of Rheumatology, and other conditions must be considered.

Medications are one way to treat hip osteoarthritis. For mild cases, acetaminophen is usually tried first. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) and opioid analgesics are used for moderate to severe hip osteoarthritis.


There are also non-drug treatments that can help:


  1. weight loss (normal weight people have a 20% risk of hip OA, overweight have 25% risk, and obese have 39% risk)
  2. water exercise programs
  3. physical therapy (range of motion and strengthening exercises)
  4. occupational therapy (assistive devices, joint protection)
  5. patient education



Surgery is considered a last resort treatment option. Surgery is appropriate for patients with hip osteoarthritis who have failed other more conservative treatment options.

Surgical procedures include:


  1. Arthroscopy - an arthroscope checks the condition of the articular cartilage
  2. Osteotomy - realigns angles of the hip joint
  3. Total hip replacement - new acetabular and femoral components are implanted


An accurate diagnosis and early treatment helps decrease pain and improve function for the hip osteoarthritis patient. As the condition advances, appropriate treatment changes can be made.









^ Back to Top

For more information, medical assessment and medical quote

as email attachment to

Email : - info@wecareindia.com

Contact Center Tel. (+91) 9029304141 (10 am. To 8 pm. IST)

(Only for international patients seeking treatment in India)

 

Request Information

 

Gender :