Arthrosis of the hip joint is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease based on functional and structural wear and tear of the hip joint.
At first, the articular cartilage is drawn into the process, thins and becomes fragmented. With the development of the pathological process, bone growths begin to form along the joint surfaces. Among diseases of the locomotor system, arthrosis of the hip joint accounts for 39-48% of cases.
The disease usually develops in people over 40 years of age, with equal frequency in women and men. The only gender difference is that coxarthrosis of the hip joint is more severe in women than in men.
Designation of 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 involved in the process at the same time - knee, spine.
Secondary arthrosis of the hip joint occurs against the background of existing pathology of the hip joint: congenital dislocation, Perthes disease, arthritis, trauma. Classification of coxarthrosis depending on the cause of the 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, head of the femur
- post-infection - purulent, as a complication of allergic processes in the joint
- dyshormonal - a consequence of long-term use of corticosteroids
- it develops as a result of metabolic disorders
- coxarthrosis of the hip joint - as a complication of Perthes' disease
- idiopathic – the cause is unclear (primary).
Causes of arthrosis 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 previously had a fracture of the neck or head of the hip joint, arthrosis may develop over time)
- burdened heredity (if your relatives had metabolic problems, bone tissue weakness, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear genetic link between patients with coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transmitted arthritis - an inflammatory process in the joint (even if treated) can cause coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - arthrosis of the hip joint may occur against the background of impaired metabolism.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The main symptoms of coxarthrosis are thigh and groin pain, 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, coxarthrosis has three degrees, or stages of the disease:
- First degree: joint pain appears only after excessive exertion and disappears at rest. Only small bone growths are detected on the X-ray.
- Second degree: the pain becomes more intense, giving to the knees and groin. It can also occur at rest. There is a change in walking. X-ray shows significant ossification.
- Third degree: the pain becomes a constant companion, it can even disturb you in your sleep. The patient can only move with a cane. Radiologically, extensive bone growths and deformity of the femoral head are determined, the joint space is almost not defined in the upper-outer part.
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 must be carried out under the watchful supervision of an experienced doctor. He is the one who, taking into account the severity of the disease, chooses an appropriate treatment regimen and helps you return to a normal lifestyle.
The first step of the treatment is "unloading" the diseased joint: motor activity must be reduced, an aid for movement must be selected (for example, a cane).
The next step is drug therapy: pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has progressed, then arthroplasty is required - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to such operations, patients who have lost hope of independent movement can once again live comfortably and independently.
The outcome of the disease largely depends on the patient himself: whether he strictly follows the doctor's recommendations, whether he agrees to the operation. Unfortunately, coxarthrosis of the hip joint is invariably a progressive process. And the successful victory of the fight against the 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 can arthrosis of the hip joint be prevented? Specific prevention of coxarthrosis has not been developed. However, you don't have to give up and let everything take its course. There are several general principles, the observance of which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
First rule: the strictest control of body weight. Overweight people are not only at risk of developing high blood pressure.
Likewise, extra pounds put extra strain on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "with extra pounds" is not superfluous in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
Second rule: adequate physical activity. Incidentally, the symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint often appear in professional athletes involved in running and jumping.
Excessive load on the hip joint wears it out, professional athletes may develop coxarthrosis with age. Therefore, you should not abuse the walk. All physical activity should be dosed.
Third rule: if you have metabolic disorders, try to compensate for them. It may happen that metabolic disorders can trigger many accompanying diseases, including coxarthrosis.
Therefore, all metabolic disorders require competent treatment. Adjust the metabolism - significantly reduces the risk of coxarthrosis.
Please note that prevention of coxarthrosis is impossible without the right choice of profession. If your medical history includes congenital underdevelopment of the hip joint, neck fracture, femoral head, or purulent disease in the hip joint, you are at risk.
Do not tempt fate. Professions related to increased physical activity are taboo for you. But the "sitting" specialties are the best.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, during your stay in the water, the joints are relieved and they rest.
The primary prevention of coxarthrosis is the timely recognition, treatment and monitoring of patients with congenital hip joint disorders.
Secondary prevention of coxarthrosis consists of timely diagnosis of the initial stage of coxarthrosis, treatment of primary manifestations, and slowing down further progression of the disease. Timely recognition and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can positively influence the further prognosis of the disease.