Degenerative disease of the hip joint, which produces a progressive damage in the cartilage and surrounding structures. It is more common in people older than 50 years and in the female gender.
The cause is multifactorial but includes genetic predisposition and factors such as age, hip dysplasia, obesity and microtraumatisms.
This condition shows with pain in the groin which may travel down the inner side of the thigh towards the knee. The pain typically increases with exercise, for example, walking or climbing stairs. It may be associated with impairment of mobility of the limb including stiffness.
The diagnosis is clinical, through directed questioning and physical examination. It may be completed with x-ray of the hip.
The treatment is not curative, but aims at alleviating the symptoms. Physical measures and medication may be combined, and in the more severe cases, surgery may be used.
It is advisable to visit a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis. The signs of complications are: persistent pain which does not change with rest, night pain, morning joint stiffness lasting longer than 1 hour. Also, if you have a history of cancer or a disease of connective tissues, it would be advisable that you check with your doctor about this condition.
- M. Figueroa. Artrosis. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen I. Duodécima edición. 1038:1043.
- David T. Felson. Osteoartritis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 2228:2233.
