Arthrosis of the hip joint is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is based on functional and structural wear of the hip joint.
At first, articular cartilage is drawn into the process, it becomes thinner, fragmented. As the pathological process develops, bone growths begin to form along the articular 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 over 40 years of age, with the same frequency in both women and men. The only gender difference is that coxarthrosis of the hip joint is more severe in women than in men.
Allocate primary and secondary arthrosis of the hip joint. If primary hip arthrosis is diagnosed, it is impossible to determine the cause of the process. In primary coxarthrosis, other joints can be simultaneously involved in the process - 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 in the joint, trauma. Classification of coxarthrosis depending on the cause of this disease.
What is coxarthrosis
- involutive - occurs as a result of age-related changes
- dysplastic - against the background of congenital underdevelopment of the joint
- post-traumatic - after fractures of the neck, femoral head
- post-infectious - as a complication of purulent, allergic processes in the joint
- dishormonal - as a consequence 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 overload of the joint (professional athletes, people who walk a lot, overweight people are at risk)
- joint trauma (if you previously had fractures of the neck or head of the hip joint, then arthrosis may develop over time)
- aggravated heredity (if your relatives had problems with metabolism, weakness of bone tissue, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear hereditary relationship between patients suffering from coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transferred arthritis - an inflammatory process in the joint (even treated) can trigger coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - against the background of impaired metabolism, arthrosis 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, 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 degrees of coxarthrosis, or stages of the disease:
- First degree: pain in the joint area occurs only after excessive exertion and disappears at rest. Only small bone growths are determined on the radiograph.
- Second degree: the pain becomes more intense, gives to the knee and groin. May occur even at rest. There is a change in gait. X-ray shows significant bony growths.
- Third degree: pain becomes a constant companion, 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-outer part, the joint space is almost not determined.
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that gradually leads to disability of the patient. That is why the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should take place under the vigilant supervision of an experienced physician. It is he who, taking into account the severity of the disease, will select an adequate treatment regimen, help you return to a normal lifestyle again.
The first step in treatment is to "unload" the diseased joint: you need to reduce motor activity, choose an auxiliary means for movement (for example, a cane).
The next step is drug therapy: painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has gone far, then arthroplasty is needed - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to such operations, patients who have lost hope of being able to move independently are 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 agree 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 arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. 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 everything take its course. There are several general principles, the observance of which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
Rule one: the strictest control over weight. Overweight people are not only at risk of developing hypertension.
Similarly, extra pounds create an increased load on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "down with extra pounds" is not superfluous in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
Rule two: adequate physical activity. It just so happens that the symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint often appear in professional athletes involved in running and jumping.
Excessive loads on the hip joint wear it out, with age, professional athletes can develop coxarthrosis. That is why you should not abuse walking. Any physical activity should 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. Adjust your metabolism - significantly reduce the risk of coxarthrosis.
Please note that the 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 "sedentary" specialties suit you best.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, it is during your stay in the water that the joints are unloaded, their kind of rest.
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, the treatment of primary manifestations, and also in slowing down the further progression of the disease. Timely detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can positively affect the further prognosis of the disease.