What is osteoarthritis of the hip?

What is osteoarthritis of the hip?

In a normal hip joint, movement takes place between the thigh bone and pelvic bone, by the thigh bone rotating and turning in pelvic bone's socket. This is possible because the bones are covered with a smooth surface of cartilage, which is also lubricated with synovial fluid.

If the surface of the cartilage breaks or wears down, the bones can't slide against each other. Causes may be congestion, due to for example heavy work, or if one is overweight or caused by old injuries or fractures. However, other factors, such as heredity may also play a role.

In fact, compared to how widespread osteoarthritis is, we know surprisingly little about the causes. It is estimated that approximately 90% of people over 65 years old who complain about hip joint pain have osteoarthritis. Approximately 7,500 people have artificial hip joint replacement surgery each year.

Besides surgical treatment, increased attention and focus is now being placed on how to avoid or postpone hip joint replacement surgery. Hip joint replacement surgery is an effective and safe treatment of hip osteoarthritis. However, it is a comprehensive operation, which is not without risks. Every so often, the operation does not have the desired effect.

Therefore, it will often be a good idea to first try other, less extensive forms of treatment before deciding on surgery. If you are overweight, it would for example be a good idea to lose weight, physical training in the form of cycling can often have a good effect. On the other hand, you should avoid activities that involve heavy lifting and prolonged standing activities.