Hip Osteoarthritis

Diagnosis of Hip Osteoarthritis

Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis typically involves:

Medical History: Discussion of symptoms, past medical conditions, and any history of hip injuries.

Physical Examination: Assessment of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.

Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays to assess how much space there is in the joint (no space or abnormally small space indicates a loss of cartilage), MRI scans to visualize hip structures and detect joint space narrowing, in some cases.

Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis

Treatment options include:

Conservative Treatments: Non-surgical approaches include:

Medications: Such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants for pain management.

Physical Therapy: Exercise keeps joint lubricated and maintains range of motion.

Activity Modification: Cutting down on movements or labor that intensifies the hip pain.

Steroid Injections: Targeted injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Supportive Devices: Some patients find relief with cushioning shoe inserts, a cane, a waker.

Surgical Intervention: When conservative measures are ineffective or symptoms worsen, surgery may be considered:

Hip Arthroscopy: Removing bone spurs or other structures irritating the hip joint

Hip Resurfacing: Joint surfaces are covered with a metal cap to reduce friction in the joint.

Total Hip Replacement: Replacing a damaged hip with an artificial implant to maintain hip mobility.

Prognosis: Hip osteoarthritis cannot be cured, however it can be manageable with pain control and routine exercise. The prognosis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild hip osteoarthritis can be managed with activity modification, pain management, and joint injections. However, moderate and severe hip osteoarthritis may need replacement to remedy pain.1