Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Cartilage is a tissue that is found throughout your body and is especially important in your joints. It allows the bones in the joint to move smoothly and provides support for the joint. Cartilage damage or inflammation of the hip joint can gradually lead to arthritis.
There are different types of arthritis that can affect your hip joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is wear-and-tear of a joint, causing damage to cartilage and surrounding structures. Inflammatory arthritis is another type of arthritis that affects your joints. Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In these conditions, the patient's immune system is attacking the joint, leading to inflammation and damage.
In severe cases of arthritis, the cartilage is completely worn away and the bones of the hip joint (femur and pelvis) will come into contact with one another. This bone-on-bone contact causes significant inflammation and pain in the hip joint.
Causes
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is currently unknown; however it is usually linked to chronic wear-and-tear of the cartilage. For this reason, you are more likely to have osteoarthritis if you are older. Although it is less common, there are young people that do suffer from osteoarthritis.
Like osteoarthritis, the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Scientists and researchers think that rheumatoid arthritis is genetically linked, meaning that those who have people in their family that have the condition are more likely to also develop the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis in the hip include:
- Severe pain
- Limited mobility
- Decreased function
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hip arthritis can involve a combination of imaging tests, physical examination, and medical history.
- Radiographs: Providers can rule out other possible underlying conditions that may contribute to the pain you're experiencing. Using X-rays, they can check for structural abnormalities and signs of arthritis.
- Physical Examination: Various physical examination maneuvers can test range of motion, joint stability, and pain with specific tests.
- Medical History: Your provider might also inquire about your medical history, including previous injuries and surgeries, in conjunction with your current symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatments for hip arthritis vary depending on the severity of arthritis, the patient's symptoms, and individual needs and preferences. Patients with minor arthritis may recover within a few weeks with rest and the help of non-surgical treatments.
- Activity Modification and Rest: Doctors may recommend avoiding certain activities and opting for rest to help reduce symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting your hip joint.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce the pain and inflammation.
In the case where conservative treatments fail, some patients might need surgery to correct the arthritis and to regain function in the joint.
Surgical Options
Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement involves removing the existing arthritis and placing a metal cup in the socket and a metal stem down the femur. There is a plastic, polyethylene, liner that is placed between the metal ball and socket to provide non metal-on-metal weight bearing surfaces. After a hip replacement patients are generally allowed to bear weight as tolerated.
This procedure can be done through an anterior or posterior approach. Robotic guidance may also be used in your hips replacement for component position accuracy. Ask one of the world-renowned experts at the American Hip Institute at your visit which approach would work best for you.
Hip Resurfacing
A hip resurfacing involves removing the existing arthritis and placing a metal cap over the femoral head and a metal cup in the socket. This allows for smooth movement of the hip joint. A hip resurfacing has the advantage of preserving more of the patient’s native bone of the femur and is typically recommended for younger or more physically active patients. This procedure is performed through either the anterior or posterior approach.