Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is based on functional and structural wear of the hip joint.
At first, the articular cartilage is attracted in the process, it becomes thinner, fragmented. With the development of the pathological process, bone growths begin to form along the joint surfaces. Among the diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteoarthritis of the hip joint accounts for 39 to 48% of cases.
As a rule, the disease develops in people over the age of 40, with the same frequency in both women and men. The only gender difference is that hip joint coxarthrosis is more severe in women than in men.
Assign primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint. If primary osteoarthritis of the hip is diagnosed, it is impossible to determine the cause of the process. In primary coxarthrosis, other joints can be involved in the process at the same time: knee, spine.
Secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint occurs against the background of the existing pathology of the hip joint: congenital dislocation, Perthes disease, inflammation of the joint, trauma. Classification of coxarthrosis according to the cause of this disease.
What is coxarthrosis
- involutional - occurs as a result of age-related changes
- dysplastic - against the background of the congenital underdevelopment of the joint
- post-traumatic - after fractures of the neck, head of the femur
- post-infectious - as a complication of purulent and allergic processes in the joint
- disordered - as a result of long-term use of corticosteroids
- metabolic - develops due to metabolic disorders
- coxarthrosis of the hip joint - as a complication of Perthes disease
- idiopathic - the cause is unclear (primary).
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- constant overload of the joint (at risk are professional athletes, people who walk a lot, people who are overweight)
- joint trauma (if you have previously had fractures of the neck or head of the hip joint, osteoarthritis may develop over time)
- burdened inheritance (if your relatives have had problems with metabolism, weakness of bone tissue, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear hereditary relationship between patients with hip joint coxarthrosis.
- previously transferred arthritis: an inflammatory process in the joint (also treated) can trigger coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - against the background of impaired metabolism, osteoarthritis of the hip joint may appear.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The main symptoms of coxarthrosis are pain in the thigh and groin, lameness, shortening of the affected leg, and atrophy of the thigh muscles.
Depending on the severity of symptoms and X-ray variations, there are three degrees of coxarthrosis or stages of the disease:
- First degree - pain in the joint area occurs only after overexertion and disappears at rest. On the x-ray, only small bony growths are determined.
- Second degree: the pain becomes more intense, gives way to the knee and groin. It can also occur at rest. There is a change in the gait. The x-ray shows significant bone growths.
- Third degree: pain becomes a constant companion, it can disturb even in a dream. The patient can only move with a cane. Radiologically, extensive bone growths, deformity of the femoral head are determined; in the upper-external part, the joint space is almost not determined.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that gradually leads to the patient's disability. That is why the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint should take place under the watchful supervision of an experienced physician. It is he who, taking into account the severity of the disease, will select a suitable treatment regimen, will help you to return to a normal lifestyle again.
The first step in treatment is "unloading" the diseased joint: it is necessary to reduce motor activity, choose an auxiliary means for movement (for example, a stick).
The next step is drug therapy: painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has gone far, then arthroplasty is required - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to these operations, patients who have lost hope of being able to move independently are once again able to live comfortably and independently.
The outcome of the disease largely depends on the patient himself: whether he will strictly adhere to the doctor's recommendations, whether he will consent to the operation. Unfortunately, coxarthrosis of the hip joint is an invariably progressive process. And a successful victory in the fight against this disease is only the result of the patient's persistent work.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. How to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip joint? Specific prevention of coxarthrosis has not been developed. However, there is no need to give up and let it all take its course. There are several general principles, observance of which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
Rule one: the strictest weight control. Overweight people aren't just at risk of developing hypertension.
Likewise, the extra pounds create a greater load on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "lower the extra pounds" is not superfluous in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
Rule Two: Adequate Physical Activity. It just happens that the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint often appear in professional athletes involved in running and jumping.
Excessive loads on the hip joint wear it down, with age, professional athletes can develop coxarthrosis. Here's why you shouldn't abuse walking. Any physical activity must be dosed.
Rule Three: If you have metabolic disorders, you should try to compensate for them. It just so happens that metabolic disorders can trigger many concomitant diseases, including coxarthrosis.
That is why any metabolic disorder needs competent treatment. Regulate your metabolism - significantly reduce the risk of coxarthrosis.
Note that the prevention of coxarthrosis is impossible without an adequate career choice. If you have a history of congenital underdevelopment of the hip joint, fractures of the neck, head of the femur, purulent disease in the hip joint, then you are at risk.
You shouldn't tempt fate. Professions associated with increased physical activity are taboo for you. But "sedentary" specialties suit you better.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, it is during your stay in the water that your joints, their type of rest, are discharged.
Primary prevention of coxarthrosis is the timely detection, treatment and monitoring of patients with congenital defects of the hip joint.
Secondary prevention of coxarthrosis consists in the timely diagnosis of the initial degree of coxarthrosis, in the treatment of primary manifestations, and also in slowing the further progression of the disease. Timely detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can positively influence the further prognosis of the disease.