Coxarthrosis

Coxarthrosis is osteoarthritis of the hip joint, which is a chronic, progressive process and involves damage to the cartilage, the subchondral layer of bone, the joint capsule, periarticular tissues and muscles.

What is the underlying cause of coxarthrosis?

Genetic predisposition, rheumatic diseases, hip dysplasia, intra-articular fractures, and rarely endocrine and neurologic arthropathies are important in the development of coxarthrosis.

Symptoms of coxarthrosis

Coxarthrosis is manifested by specific symptoms, such as pain in the groin and gluteal muscles, which irradiates to the lower limb on the side of the pain, at this time patients have difficulty moving and climbing stairs. Pain, depending on the stage of the disease, can occur both with physical activity and at rest. If symptoms appear, it is necessary to contact a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

How is coxarthrosis diagnosed?

If pain or restriction of movement in the hip joint is detected, first of all, an orthopedic traumatologist will perform a physical examination of the patient and assess the damage, paying attention to the points where the patient experiences the most pain. The first evaluation involves examining the patient's range of motion of the joints. After the initial evaluation of the patient, special diagnostic tests that provide more complete information - radiologic studies and, if necessary, CT, MRI, and scintigraphy - should be performed.

How to prevent the development of coxarthrosis

In many cases, it is impossible to prevent the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint, especially in elderly patients. However, certain recommendations can improve the patient's condition.

First of all, it is recommended to follow a balanced and healthy diet; in this way, a healthy body weight will be maintained and the hip joint will not be overloaded, which means that degenerative processes in the cartilage matrix will be reduced and pain in the joint will be reduced.

On the other hand, free movements of the hip joint with less mechanical load (physical therapy, swimming, exercise bike) are important.

The main methods of treatment of coxarthrosis

After an accurate and complete diagnosis of the patient, the appropriate treatment is prescribed, depending on the stage of the disease.

Treating coxarthrosis with physiotherapy and rehabilitation can improve the patient's condition, as it helps to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility. In cases where conservative therapy does not give a positive result, surgical treatment with replacement of the hip joint is recommended. The damaged joint is replaced with an endoprosthesis, and both proximal and distal parts of the hip joint are replaced.