About this disease
What it concerns
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage narrows until, in the final stage, bone rubs against bone. This can be very painful. Osteoarthritis is accelerated by risk factors. In addition to genetic factors, body weight, stress on the joint during sports and existing deformities play a role, amongst other factors.
Types
We distinguish three stages of hip osteoarthritis depending on the extent of wear: minor hip osteoarthritis with osteophytes and normal joint space, moderate form with mild joint space narrowing and boulder cysts, and severe hip osteoarthritis with pronounced joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and bony deformities of the hip joint.
Symptoms and consequences
Typical complaints of osteoarthritis are initial pain on rising and load-dependent pain. In addition, mobility may be restricted, beginning with inwards rotation, which makes it difficult to put on socks and shoes. Concomitant inflammation of the mucosa not infrequently leads to pain at rest in the activation stage. The consequence is a restriction of mobility and quality of life.
How we can help you
Examination and diagnosis
An X-ray is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis. We perform the X-ray of the pelvis and the affected hip axially. For precise digital planning of any surgery, the pelvic image is taken with a calibration sphere.
Treatment
Treatment can be non-operative or operative, depending on the symptoms. In addition to anti-inflammatory painkillers, physiotherapy can contribute to muscle preservation. In this, terminal and pain-inducing movements should be avoided. Targeted joint infiltration under image intensifiers can also reduce pain and improve mobility. However, this can only help temporarily, as the underlying mechanical problem remains. In the long term, artificial hip replacement is necessary.