Hip Arthritis

Anatomy

The hip joint is the junction between the femur (thigh) bone and the pelvis and is referred to as a ball and socket joint. The head of the femur is the ball, and the socket is referred to as the acetabulum of the pelvis. Articular cartilage covers the femoral head and acetabulum allowing the bone to glide easily with one another. 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition in which the articular cartilage is damaged causing it to thin and wear away. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Risk factors of osteoarthritis include older age, trauma, abnormal shaped hip due to genetic or developmental conditions, or family history of osteoarthritis.  Arthritis can be a result of avascular necrosis (AVN) or inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

• Pain in the front part of the hip (groin)
• Stiffness
• Reduced hip motion
• Pain with too much activity
• Pain or stiffness with prolonged sitting that improves after moving around

Diagnosing Hip Arthritis

A thorough patient history and physical exam can help to identify patients with arthritis and imaging studies including x-rays and occasionally MRI are used to help confirm the diagnosis. Blood work might be needed to evaluate for inflammatory arthritis. 

Treatment for Hip Arthritis

• Activity modifications and rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Injections

• Hip replacement when conservative (nonsurgical) options do not provide sufficient relief