Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a fairly broad clinical picture and is mainly characterized by people over 40 years old, but it can also be diagnosed at younger ages, especially in children and adolescents.
Often, the precursor to the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint is various types of trauma and inflammation, the treatment of which was absent or insufficient.
There are several degrees of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a specific direction of complex therapeutic treatment methods.
What is coxarthrosis of the hip?
Coxarthrosis or deforming osteoarthritis/arthrosis of the hip joint is a complex pathological disease of the largest joint of the human body, accompanied by progressive destruction of osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as the lack of appropriate treatment, causes deformation of adjacent bone surfaces and the appearance of bony growths on them, limiting mobility and interfering with normal human life.
Statistics show that the disease of this type occurs in 12% of cases of diagnosis of pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
Causes of coxarthrosis
Today, it is customary to distinguish two types of coxarthrosis of the hip:
- primary, the appearance of which is inexplicable;
- secondary, developing against the background of other existing diseases.
With primary coxarthrosis, concomitant pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are often observed, including osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine.
Some of the most likely reasons include:
- pathologies of the development of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia);
- aseptic necrosis of joint tissues;
- infectious lesion;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- injuries.
Risk factors
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint, it is customary to highlight:
- systematic increased loads;
- poor circulation in joint tissues;
- hormonal changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- natural aging;
- insufficiently active lifestyle.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that coxarthrosis itself cannot be hereditary;therefore, people with such a diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition to it;However, the manifestation of a hereditary factor can be observed as other features of the body's functioning that provoke the development of pathology.Characteristics of this type include metabolic disorders, the special structure of the musculoskeletal system as well as weakness of joint tissues.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic disease, like any other pathology, has degrees of development.Coxarthrosis has only three, each of which is characterized by the presence of certain changes.
Coxarthrosis 1st degree
With coxarthrosis of the 1st degree, a relatively moderate reduction in the joint space is observed, accompanied by growth of bone tissue over the entire surface of the joint.
There are no pathological changes on the surfaces of the femur.
2nd degree coxarthrosis
With grade 2 coxarthrosis, the gap between the articular bones is significantly reduced, which is more than 50% less than the generally accepted indicator.Pathological processes cause displacement of the femur, which is accompanied by deformation of its head, which significantly increases in size and becomes covered with numerous irregularities along the contour.
At this stage of development, bony growths appear on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not limited to the cartilage.
Coxarthrosis grade 3
Coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree is characterized by a sharp deviation in functional indicators, as well as a sharp reduction in the gap between the bones of the joint.In addition, there is a pronounced expansion of the femoral head, as well as numerous bony outgrowths.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The key and constant symptom of the disease is pain of varying severity.The detailed symptomatic picture is determined by the intensity of the development of pathological processes.
1st degree coxarthrosis involves the presence of symptoms such as:
- systematic pain caused by physical activity of varying intensity;
- localization of unpleasant and painful sensations in the hip/knee.
2nd degree coxarthrosis is expressed by the following symptoms:
- moderate intensity of pain, which often occurs at rest;
- spread of pain to hip and groin;
- the appearance of lameness after performing various types of exercises;
- reduction in the range of available movements (limitation of the ability to abduct the limb to the side).
With coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree, the following symptoms are observed:
- constant, unbearable pain at any time of the day;
- the need to use a cane to get around;
- limitation of motor function, reduction in muscle volume and shortening of the length of the lower limb;
- torso tilt.
Diagnosis of the disease
The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, as well as the results of a visual examination and the collected medical history.
Diagnostic procedures for identifying a disease such as coxarthrosis are aimed at identifying clinical signs and studying the data of additional studies, the key of which is radiography.
X-ray for coxarthrosis allows you to establish the neglect of pathological processes and determine the cause of their occurrence.In particular, based on the results of an x-ray examination, the attending physician can determine the injuries sustained.
Among other instrumental diagnostic methods, the following are used:
- CT (computed tomography) – allows you to create a detailed picture of the pathology;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - helps assess the extent of soft tissue damage.
It should also be noted the existence of differential diagnosis, which involves the exclusion of pathological processes such as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spine.
Laboratory tests are also an integral part of complex diagnostics, which include:
- a general blood and urine test to determine the patient’s health status;
- biochemical blood test to determine pathological conditions.
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint
An orthopedic surgeon makes a diagnosis and determines a treatment plan.Treatment tactics are developed based on data such as:
- degree of expression;
- form of the disease;
- reason for development;
- presence of symptoms.
Today there are several effective directions in the treatment of coxarthrosis.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of a patient involves the appointment of procedures such as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- UV radiation;
- shock wave therapy.
All physiotherapeutic techniques used help to improve blood circulation, launch metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Drug treatment of coxarthrosis
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint with medication involves the use of means such as:
- muscle relaxers;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- pain relievers;
- corticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors.
A particularly important group of drugs in the treatment of pathology are chondroprotectors that promote tissue restoration.
Therapeutic exercise (physiotherapy)
Therapeutic physical education classes are one of the most effective methods of complex treatment.
A set of exercises is developed by a specialist doctor based on the diagnostic results and the patient's current fitness level.
Massage
Therapeutic treatment of hip osteoarthritis involves the use of different types of massages:
- classic;
- indicate;
- empty.
In the absence of contraindications, after just a few sessions, the patient will notice better blood circulation in the joint area and the supply of nutrients necessary for its tissues will be replenished.
Attending massage sessions helps to strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joint.
Surgical intervention for coxarthrosis
The lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment requires resorting to radical methods of treating pathology.
The constant progression of pathological processes is a direct indication for surgical intervention.Today, two types of surgery are performed:
- arthroplasty – removal of the femoral head from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in the joint tissue;
- endoprostheses – placement of an implant.
The operation is performed when the patient's pathological condition is grade 3, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in joint tissues.
Prognosis and possible complications
Only stage 1 degenerative-dystrophic disease is amenable to successful conservative treatment.In other cases, we cannot speak of complete restoration of the functional activity of the hip joint, except in the case of endoprosthesis installation.
In the absence of treatment, at the final stage of the development of pathological processes, the patient develops limited mobility of the joint of the flexion type, which makes any movement impossible due to a constantly bent limb.
After complete fusion, the patient is unable to independently solve basic problems of everyday life and is assigned the status of a disabled person.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures can be used to prevent the onset of pathological processes, as well as during remission, thereby preventing the progression of the disease.
Prevention of coxarthrosis involves:
- maintain a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- maintain a healthy lifestyle, which involves giving up bad habits;
- body weight control;
- systematic preventive examination and timely treatment of various diseases.
Remember that your health is only in your hands.Keep it in optimal condition and enjoy a full life!