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Hip Arthritis

Overview

Hip arthritis is an umbrella term for various types of arthritis affecting the hip joint. It is characterised by inflammation of the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It involves the breakdown of cartilage within the hip joint, which can affect its function and cause discomfort.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): The most prevalent form that is characterised by the gradual wear of cartilage, causing the bones to rub together.
  • Avascular necrosis with secondary arthritis: This occurs when blood flow to the hip bone is disrupted, leading to bone death and arthritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): It is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the synovial lining of the joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: It is associated with psoriasis, and can affect the hip joint and cause pain and swelling.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: Develops after a hip injury or fracture that leads to joint damage and arthritis.

  • Persistent pain in the hip joint or groin area, which may worsen with activity.
  • Stiffness, especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
  • Reduced range of hip joint motion.
  • Difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to pain and stiffness.
  • Difficulty in squatting and sitting cross-legged.

  • Ageing, especially for OA.
  • Autoimmune diseases, especially for types, such as RA or psoriatic arthritis.
  • Family history of arthritis.
  • Obesity.
  • Previous hip injuries or fractures.
  • Female sex, especially for developing OA and RA.
  • Jobs or activities that add repetitive stress to the hip.

  • Physical examination to assess the hip joint for pain, swelling, range of motion, and functional limitations.
  • Medical history recording through discussion of symptoms, their duration, and any previous treatments or hip injuries.
  • Imaging studies include:
    • Radiography (X-ray) to assess joint damage, cartilage loss, and bone changes.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detailed images of the soft tissues around the hip and assessing cartilage and bone marrow changes.
    • Computed tomography (CT) to evaluate complex cases or assess the extent of joint damage.
  • Blood tests to identify inflammatory or autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid factor for RA and markers of inflammation).

Non-surgical treatment

  • Medications:
    • Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen) to reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for RA or other inflammatory arthritis types.
    • Biologics for severe cases of RA or other inflammatory types.
  • Physical therapy for strengthening the muscles around the hip, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall function.
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, low-impact exercise (e.g., swimming and cycling), and joint protection strategies.
  • Assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, or braces to reduce strain on the hip joint and assist with mobility.

Surgical treatment

  • Hip arthroscopy procedure, which is a minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery to repair or clean out damaged tissue within the hip joint.
  • Hip replacement surgery
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