Osteoarthritis of the Hip (Hip Arthritis): "Degenerative Joint Disease" can cause pain, stiffness, and cartilage breakdown

Edited By: Seth S. Leopold, M.D.
Last updated Friday, January 18, 2008

Conclusion

Summary of hip arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis of the hip is common and can result in severe pain and disability; as a result of this condition, several hundred thousand people each year in the U.S. undergo total hip replacement.
   
   
2. Most people with osteoarthritis of the hip can be managed without surgery.
   
   
3. The cause of osteoarthritis of the hip is not known, but some risk factors include obesity, severe hip trauma, acquired conditions in adulthood such as osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) and genetics.
   
   
4. There are many other kinds of arthritis that can affect the hip; it is important to make sure that the correct diagnosis is made, as some of these other conditions are treated very differently.
   
   
5. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip is usually very straightforward, and is made in almost all cases by a physician taking a thorough history, performing a physical examination, and getting x-rays with the patient standing up. Patients usually seek care for the typical symptoms of hip arthritis, including pain located in the groin, thigh, or buttock; the pain is generally worse with weight bearing (walking, standing) or twisting. Stiffness and leg-length inequality are other symptoms.

Surgery for hip arthritis at the University of Washington

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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