Arthrosis of the hip joint is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is based on the functional and structural wear and tear of the hip joint.
Initially, the articular cartilage is drawn into the process, becomes thinner, fragmented. As the pathological process develops, bone growths begin to form along the joint surfaces. Among diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis of the hip joint accounts for 39 to 48% of cases.
As a rule, the disease develops in people older than 40 years, with the same frequency in both men and women. The only gender difference is that coxarthrosis of the hip joint is more severe in women than in men.
Separate primary and secondary arthrosis of the hip joint. If primary arthrosis of the hip is diagnosed, it is impossible to determine the cause of the process. In case of primary coxarthrosis, other joints - knee, spine - can be involved in the process at the same time.
Secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint occurs against the background of existing pathology of the hip joint: congenital dislocation, Perthes disease, joint inflammation, trauma. Classification of coxarthrosis depending on the cause of this disease.
What is coxarthrosis
- involutive - arises as a result of age-related changes
- dysplastic - on the background of congenital underdevelopment of the joint
- post-traumatic - after a fracture of the neck, head of the femur
- post-infectious - as a complication of purulent, allergic processes in the joint
- dyshormonal - as a result of long-term use of corticosteroids
- metabolic - develops as a result of metabolic disorders
- coxarthrosis of the hip joint - as a complication of Perthes' disease
- idiopathic - the cause is not clear (primary).
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- constant overloading of the joint (professional athletes, people who walk a lot, overweight people are at risk)
- joint trauma (if you have previously had neck or hip head fractures, arthrosis may develop over time)
- burdened heredity (if your relatives had problems with metabolism, weakness of bone tissue, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear hereditary link between patients suffering from coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transmitted arthritis - inflammatory process in the joint (even treated) can cause coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - arthrosis of the hip joint can appear against the background of disturbed metabolism.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The main symptoms of coxarthrosis are pain in the thigh and groin, limping, shortening of the affected leg and atrophy of the thigh muscles.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are and what the x-ray changes are, there are three stages of coxarthrosis, i. e. the stages of the disease:
- First degree: pain in the joint area occurs only after excessive exertion and disappears at rest. Only small bony growths are determined on the X-ray.
- Second degree: the pain becomes more intense, radiating to the knee and groin. It can occur even at rest. There is a change in gait. X-ray shows significant bony growths.
- Third degree: pain becomes a constant companion, it can disturb even in sleep. The patient can only move with a cane. Radiologically, extensive bone growths, deformity of the head of the femur are determined, in the upper-outer part the joint space is almost undefined.
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that gradually leads to disability of the patient. Therefore, the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should be carried out under the watchful supervision of an experienced physician. He is the one who, taking into account the severity of the disease, will choose an adequate treatment regimen, help you to return to a normal lifestyle.
The first step in treatment is to "unload" the diseased joint: you must reduce motor activity, choose an aid for movement (for example, a cane).
The next step is drug therapy: painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has gone far, arthroplasty is required - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to these operations, patients who have lost hope of being able to move independently can live comfortably and independently again.
The outcome of the disease largely depends on the patient himself: whether he will strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, whether he will agree to surgery. Unfortunately, coxarthrosis of the hip joint is always a progressive process. And the successful victory in the fight against this disease is only the result of the patient's persistent work.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. How to prevent hip osteoarthritis? Specific prevention of coxarthrosis has not been developed. However, you should not give up and let everything take its course. There are several general principles, the observance of which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
The first rule: strictest weight control. Overweight people are not only at risk of developing hypertension.
Similarly, excess weight places increased stress on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "down with the excess" is not superfluous in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
Second rule: adequate physical activity. It so happened that the symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint often appear in professional athletes who are engaged in running and jumping.
Excessive loads on the hip joint wear it down, with age professional athletes can develop coxarthrosis. That's why you shouldn't abuse walking. Any physical activity should be dosed.
The third rule: if you have metabolic disorders, try to compensate for them. It happens that metabolic disorders can cause many accompanying diseases, including coxarthrosis.
That is why competent treatment is needed for any metabolic disorder. Adjust your metabolism - significantly reduce the risk of coxarthrosis.
Please note that prevention of coxarthrosis is impossible without an adequate choice of profession. 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 "sitting" specialties suit you best.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, during your stay in the water, the joints are relieved, their kind of rest.
The primary prevention of coxarthrosis is timely detection, treatment and monitoring of patients with congenital defects of the hip joint.
Secondary prevention of coxarthrosis consists in timely diagnosis of the initial stage of coxarthrosis, treatment of primary manifestations, as well as slowing down further progression of the disease. Timely detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can have a positive effect on the further prognosis of the disease.