Hip Arthrosis - degenerative and dystrophic disorders of the joints of the musculoskeletal system with a characteristic progressive course. In medicine, it is called coxarthrosis.
Hip Arthrosis begins with a dystrophic process of articular cartilage, in which fragmentation, destruction of fibers, thinning of the cartilage joint occurs with a further loss of cushioning properties and the formation of characteristic bone growths. Subsequently, a cyst forms and sclerosis develops at the joints of the acetabulum and femoral head.
Arthrosis of the hip joints is primary and secondary. A disease can affect one or both of the hip joints. At the initial stage, the disease can spread to the spine and other joints, in most cases to the calyx of the knees.
Causes of occurrence
There are many reasons for the development of coxarthrosis:
- violation of the blood circulation in the joint;
- overload of joints under the influence of mechanical factors (overweight, increased physical activity);
- hormonal changes, metabolic disorders in the body, biochemical changes in the cartilage tissue;
- injuries (dislocations or fractures of the pelvis, cervix);
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the joints (rheumatism, chronic polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis);
- necrotic lesions of the head of the hip;
- pathology of the foot (flat feet) and spine (kyphosis, scoliosis);
- dislocation of the hip at birth, congenital impairment of joint development;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- age (more often people suffer from 50 years);
- heredity and predisposition of the body (fragility of bones, structural features of cartilage, metabolic disorders). Arthrosis of the hip joints, treatment which occupies an important place in modern orthopedics and traumatology, is not inherited.
Symptoms of Arthrosis of the Hip Joints
The signs of the disease depend on the stage of its course. There are three stages:
stage 1 - pain after physical exertion more often appears in the place of the hip joint, sometimes in the knee. Usually the pain subsides after rest. Gait is not impaired, mobility is not limited, muscle strength is normal. On x-rays, growths are noticeable;
stage 2 - pain intensifies, capturing the groin area, is given to the thigh area, and sometimes occurs at rest. After long physical exertion, lameness appears. Movement is partially limited, muscle strength is reduced. On x-rays, the destruction of the joint is noticeable;
stage 3 - constant pain, walking is possible only with a cane or crutches, movements are limited, shortening the affected limb. X-rays show extensive joint growths and lesions.
How to treat arthrosis of the hip joint?
Treatment of coxarthrosis at stages 1 and 2 is performed on an outpatient basis, aimed at reducing pain, inflammatory processes in the joints, improving blood circulation and limb mobility. For these purposes, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, vitamins, local compresses with Dimexidum are prescribed (up to 15 procedures).
During treatment, the patient is recommended to limit the vertical load on the affected limb (running, carrying weights, long stays on the legs). In combination with the main treatment, ultrasound, magnet, laser therapy is used, as well as electrophoresis of a solution of Dimexidum, Novocaine and others.
After removing the pain syndrome and for strengthening the muscles, therapeutic massage, health gymnastics, swimming in the pool are prescribed.
Grade 3 arthrosis of the hip joints is performed in a hospital. In addition to the above procedures, it includes the introduction of Arthroporon or Kenalog preparations into the joint.
With an exacerbated form of the disease, surgical intervention is necessary. The main task of the operation is to change the location of the bone head of the thigh for further distribution of pressure on the joints. The operation is not recommended for patients older than 60 years.
Nowadays, operations to introduce artificial joints are very popular. During the operation, the old head is removed and a new metal or ceramic head is inserted in its place. Such treatment allows the patient to live a full life in 2-3 months.