Hip arthrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease based on functional and structural wear of the hip joint.
At first, the articular cartilage is pulled into the process, becomes thinner, breaks down. As the pathological process develops, bone growths begin to appear along the articular surfaces. Among musculoskeletal system diseases, arthrosis of the hip joint accounts for 39-48% of cases.
As a rule, the disease develops in people over 40 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.
Distinguish primary and secondary arthrosis of the hip joint. If primary hip arthrosis is diagnosed, it is not possible to determine the cause of the process. In primary coxarthrosis, other joints can simultaneously participate in the process - knee, spine.
Secondary arthrosis of the hip joint occurs against the background of 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 - purulent in the joint, as aggravation of allergic processes
- 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 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 there were previous fractures of the neck or femoral head, arthrosis may develop over time)
- loaded heredity (if your relatives have problems with metabolism, bone tissue weakness, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear genetic link between patients suffering from coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transferred arthritis - a joint (even treated) inflammatory process can trigger coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - against the background of disturbed 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, lameness, shortening of the affected leg, and atrophy of the thigh muscles.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are and how X-rays change, there are three degrees of coxarthrosis, or stages of the disease:
- First degree: pain in the joint area occurs only after excessive load and disappears at rest. X-rays reveal only small bone growths.
- Second degree: the pain becomes stronger, gives to the knee and groin area. It can even happen at rest. There is a change in mileage. X-ray shows significant bone growth.
- Third degree: pain becomes a constant companion, it can disturb even in sleep. The patient can only move with a cane. Radiologically, large bone growths, deformation of the femoral head are determined, the joint space is almost not defined in the upper-external part.
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that causes gradual disability of the patient. Therefore, the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should be carried out under the careful supervision of an experienced doctor. It is he who will choose an adequate treatment regimen, taking into account the severity of the disease, and help you return to a normal lifestyle.
The first step of treatment is "unloading" the diseased joint: you need to reduce motor activity, choose an aid for movement (for example, a cane).
The next step is drug treatment: painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has gone away, arthroplasty is necessary - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to such operations, patients who have lost hope of independent movement can live comfortably and independently again.
The outcome of the disease mainly depends on the patient himself: whether he will strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, whether he will agree to the operation or not. Unfortunately, coxarthrosis of the hip joint is invariably a progressive process. And a successful victory in the fight against this disease is only the result of the patient's hard work.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
It is easier to prevent any disease than to cure it. How to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip joint? Specific prevention of coxarthrosis has not been developed. However, you don't have to give up and let things run their course. There are several general principles, following which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
The first rule: the strictest control over weight. Overweight people are not only at risk of hypertension.
Likewise, extra pounds place increased stress on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "lose extra pounds" is no longer used in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
The second rule: adequate physical activity. It so happens that the symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint are often seen in professional athletes who are engaged 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 ride. Any physical activity should be in moderation.
The third rule: if you have metabolic disorders, you should try to compensate them. It just so happens that metabolic disorders can cause many accompanying diseases, including coxarthrosis.
Therefore, any metabolic disorder needs competent treatment. Regulate metabolism - significantly reduces the risk of coxarthrosis.
Please note that coxarthrosis cannot be prevented without an adequate occupational choice. 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 should not tempt fate. Occupations associated with increased physical activity are taboo for you. But "seating" specialties suit you best.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, loosening up your joints while you're in the water is their form of relaxation.
Primary prevention of coxarthrosis is timely detection, treatment and monitoring of patients with congenital defects of the hip joint.
Secondary prevention of coxarthrosis consists of timely diagnosis of the initial stage of coxarthrosis, treatment of initial manifestations, as well as delaying the further development of the disease. Timely detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can have a positive effect on the subsequent prognosis of the disease.