Hip arthropathy is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is based on the functional and structural wear and tear of the hip joint.
Initially, the articular cartilage is pulled into the process, becomes thinner, fragmented. As the pathological process develops, bony growths begin to form along the articular surfaces. Among diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthropathy of the hip joint accounts for 39 to 48% of cases.
As a rule, the disease develops in people over 40 years old, 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.
Distribution of primary and secondary arthropathy of the hip joint. If primary arthropathy of the hip is diagnosed, it is impossible to determine the cause of the process. In primary coxarthrosis, other joints can be simultaneously involved in the process - knee, spine.
Secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint occurs against the background of existing pathology of the hip joint: congenital dislocation, Perthes disease, inflammation of the joint, trauma. Classification of coxarthrosis according to the cause of this disease.
What is coxarthrosis?
- consistent - occurs as a result of age-related changes
- dysplastic - in the context of congenital underdevelopment of the joint
- post-traumatic - after fractures of the neck, femoral head
- post-infectious - as a complication of purulent, allergic processes in the joint
- dyshormonal - as a consequence 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 osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- constant overloading of the joint (professional athletes, people who walk a lot, people with excess weight are at risk)
- joint trauma (if you have previously had fractures of the neck or head of the hip joint, then arthropathy may develop over time)
- burdened heredity (if your relatives had problems with metabolism, weakness of bone tissue, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear hereditary relationship between patients suffering from coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transferred arthritis - an inflammatory process in the joint (even treated) can cause coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - against the background of reduced metabolism, arthropathy of the hip joint may occur.
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 and changes on X-rays are, there are three grades of coxarthrosis or stages of the disease:
- First degree: pain in the joint area appears only after excessive exertion and disappears at rest. Only small bone growths are identified on X-ray.
- Second degree: the pain becomes more intense, gives to the knee and groin. It can occur even at rest. There is a change in gait. X-ray shows significant bony growths.
- Third degree: pain becomes a constant companion, it can disturb even in a dream. The patient can only move with a cane. Radiologically, extensive bone growths are determined, deformation of the head of the femur, in the upper-outer part, the joint space is almost not determined.
Treatment of arthropathy of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that gradually leads to disability of the patient. That is why the treatment of hip joint arthrosis should be done under the watchful supervision of an experienced doctor. He is the one who, taking into account the severity of the disease, will choose an appropriate treatment regimen, will help you return to a normal lifestyle.
The first step in treatment is to "unload" the affected joint: you need to reduce motor activity, choose an auxiliary means of movement (for example, a cane).
The next step is drug treatment: painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has gone far, then arthroplasty is needed - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to such operations, patients who have lost hope of being able to move independently can once again live comfortably and independently.
The outcome of the disease largely depends on the patient himself: whether he will strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, whether he will agree to the operation. 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 persistent work.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. How to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip joint? No specific prevention of coxarthrosis has 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:
Rule one: the strictest weight control. Overweight people are not only at risk of developing hypertension.
Likewise, extra pounds create an increased load on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "lose extra pounds" is not superfluous in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
Rule two: adequate physical activity. It often happens that the symptoms of hip joint arthrosis appear in professional athletes who are engaged in running and jumping.
Excessive loads on the hip joint wear it out, with age, professional athletes may develop coxarthrosis. That is why you should not abuse walking. Any physical activity should be measured.
Third rule: if you have metabolic disorders, you should try to compensate for them. It happens that metabolic disorders can cause many concomitant diseases, including coxarthrosis.
That is why every metabolic disorder needs appropriate treatment. Adjust your metabolism - significantly reduce the risk of coxarthrosis.
Note that prevention of coxarthrosis is impossible without adequate choice of profession. If you have a history of congenital hypoplasia of the hip joint, neck fractures, femoral head, suppurative disease of the hip joint, then you are at risk.
You shouldn't tempt fate. Occupations associated with increased physical activity are taboo for you. But the "sitting" specialties suit you better.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, it is during your stay in the water that the joints are unloaded, their kind of rest.
Primary prevention of coxarthrosis is early detection, treatment and follow-up of patients with congenital defects of the hip joint.
Secondary prevention of coxarthrosis consists of early diagnosis of the initial degree of coxarthrosis, treatment of primary manifestations, as well as slowing down the further progression of the disease. Early detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can positively affect the further prognosis of the disease.