Also known as degenerative arthritis of the hip, hip osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the hip. Arthritis is of many types and out of all, osteoarthritis is the most common. In maximum cases, it is caused by age-related degeneration. Hip osteoarthritis is a painful condition that in the worst scenarios requires hip replacement.
Hip replacement is a surgery that involves removing the damaged part of the hip joint and placing a hip prosthesis. It requires the use of Ortho Surgical Implants designed for the hip joint. In this post, we will have a brief look at what hip osteoarthritis is along with its diagnosis and treatment.
What is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a condition in which the hip joint becomes inflamed and the cartilage tissue starts to wear. When this occurs, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint are experienced.
Cartilage is a rubbery covering over the ends of bones forming joints. Its function is to ensure the smooth functioning of the joint and reduce friction. Besides this, cartilage also serves as a shock-absorbing layer. As a result of wear & tear, the joint loses its ability to work properly and problems start to occur.
What Are the Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis?
Studies are still unable to find the exact cause of hip osteoarthritis but, the factors that may contribute to the condition include:
Age
Joint injury
Weight
Besides these, some genetic defects may also cause osteoarthritis:
Improper formation of the joint
Inherited cartilage defect
Putting extra stress on the hip joint over time
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a painful condition that is also characterized by:
Stiffness in the joint while coming out of bed or sitting after a long time
Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joint
Cracking or crunching sound while moving the joint
Difficulty in doing routine activities
What is the Diagnosis of Hip Osteoarthritis?
For the correct diagnosis, the healthcare service provider has to perform several examinations and tests. No single test can identify that the person is suffering from hip osteoarthritis.
At first, the doctor will perform a physical examination where he will assess swelling & tenderness around the joint along with painful movements. Here, the gait of the person will also be assessed to identify any difficulties while walking.
Once a physical examination is done, the doctor will order imaging tests to get a detailed look at the hip joint. X-ray is first ordered to examine the dense structures of the bone. In an arthritic hip, the joint spaces become narrow. If the doctor finds it difficult to conclude after an x-ray examination, other imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI will be ordered.
How Hip Osteoarthritis is Treated?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. The treatment provided aims at improving the associated symptoms.
Non-serious osteoarthritis cases can be managed with non-surgical treatment that includes medication, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy. When the condition progresses to a severe stage, hip replacement or hip resurfacing surgery will be required.
For a CE-certified range of hip implants, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., a renowned orthopedic device company in India. Siora is also a regular participant and visitor at various medical conferences. In 2023, the company will be visiting Arab Health 2023.
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