Not a single joint ailment can pass without a trace if a pathological condition is launched. It is very important to engage in timely treatment and visit specialists for a general examination. Hip cyst is a pretty serious problem. It is a secondary pathology. As a rule, the disease manifests itself due to processes of the inflammatory and degenerative type, which can occur in different tissues and organs.
If the problem is localized precisely in the hip joint, then this is fraught with very serious complications. Therefore, it is important to understand in more detail the causes of the appearance of a cyst of the hip joint and methods of treating this pathology. This will help to quickly return to normal life.
What is a cyst
The cyst is a sedentary neoplasm of a rounded shape, filled with an elastic fluid. The size of the node can be up to 6 cm. As a rule, the cyst is localized in the pelvis, femoral head and acetabulum.
There is an opinion that the cyst of the hip joint, like another formation of this type, can eventually develop into a malignant tumor. However, doctors completely refute this legend. You need to understand that not a single cystic formation is associated with dermis, respectively, it is not able to penetrate the fatty tissues of the human body.
This neoplasm can be single or multiple. If we talk about a more accurate location of the site, they are of several types:
- Subchondral cyst of the hip joint and other areas.
- Formed in the ileal cavities.
Another type of pathology that periodically occurs in medical practice is also distinguished. This kind of ailment is called a cyst of the acetabulum of the hip joint.
The cyst is labile. This means that over time, it can change in size, spread to other areas or completely resolve. If necrotic tissue softens, this can cause deformation of healthy tissues located nearby.
Reasons for the appearance
No disease can appear on its own. Health problems and other factors lead to a pathological condition. If we talk about the causes of the appearance of a cyst of the hip joint, then most often this leads to degenerative changes in the cartilage structures. Also, arthritis and bursitis can provoke an ailment. These processes are inflammatory in nature.
In addition, the cyst often appears against the background of injuries, due to which the tissues of the hip joint begin to change.
If we talk about factors that affect the increase and progression of the cyst of the hip joint, then this happens due to hypothermia, metabolic disorders in the body, and infectious diseases. Also important is the hereditary and genetic factor.
Symptomatology
Accidentally identifying a similar problem is very difficult. If a person had a fracture or damage to a bone that has lost strength, then doctors pay more attention to the affected area and timely diagnose the disease. However, it is difficult to independently identify the pathology, since it manifests itself with rather mild symptoms.
However, there are certain symptoms of a hip cyst that are worth paying attention to. First of all, you should consult a doctor if a person began to notice the appearance of several signs. For example, the appearance of a pain syndrome should confuse. Usually the pain becomes rhythmic. The feeling of discomfort gradually increases with prolonged stay on the legs. The most severe pains appear during physical exertion. When a person rests, the discomfort goes away. Also, with a cyst, the so-called starting pain appears. This means that the discomfort is short-lived and manifests itself at the beginning of movements after a long rest. A similar pain syndrome indicates that the joint capsule and tendon that are attached to it are affected.
If arthritis became the cause of the cyst, then in this case, a slight deformation of the joint can be noticed with the naked eye. It is also worth paying attention to any violations in the process of motor movements. With the formation of cysts, it becomes almost impossible to take the hip to the side.
However, there are situations when no serious manifestations are observed. Because of this, patients often come to the doctor with an advanced stage of the pathology. It should be understood that in almost all situations (more than 95%) with this disease, unlike most other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the first signs appear already in the second or third stage. At this stage, considering the symptoms and treatment of the cyst of the hip joint, it becomes obvious that it will be very difficult for a person to return to normal life. In the event of a successful operation, everything will also depend on the first month of rehabilitation.
Diagnostics
In order to identify this pathology, it is necessary to undergo a full examination and tell the doctor about all the symptoms. Additionally, you have to take a blood test. However, an increase in white blood cells is not always observed. There is also no point in examining synovial fluid. The collection of biomaterial is a rather painful procedure, which is fraught with complications.
It is necessary to conduct x-ray studies. Thanks to the image, the size of the cystic mass and other characteristics of the neoplasm can be determined. In addition, the doctor will understand how damaged nearby tissue.
If the patient complains of quite severe pain, then the doctor conducts an MRI or CT scan. Also, similar procedures are carried out if the x-ray image did not show accurate data. This helps to get more information about the cyst of the head of the hip joint and other areas.
The doctor pays great attention to interviewing the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to tell the specialist about possible additional pathologies and similar diseases in relatives. It is worth noting that in 90% of cases, the cyst is hereditary.
Against the background of the data obtained, the specialist draws up his conclusion and selects the appropriate course of treatment for the cysts of the hip joint. Depending on the complexity of the pathology, there are several treatment options.
Drug treatment
It is immediately worth saying that it is impossible to get rid of a neoplasm with the help of drugs. Also, drugs are not able to leave the growth of the cyst. However, medications are prescribed to normalize the patient's condition if an operation to remove a cyst of the hip joint was performed.
If we talk about medicines, then, as a rule, experts prescribe:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually, specialists prefer drugs that are quickly excreted from the body (in 5-7 hours). Such funds include Tolmetin, Maloxicam, and others.
- Harmonious drugs. As a rule, they are introduced into the patient's body using a dropper. To funds of this type include "Diprospan", "Hydrocortisone" and others.
- Analgesics ("Ketorol", "Ketanov").
It is worth paying attention to the fact that it is strictly forbidden to inject hormonal drugs directly into the hip joint itself. This can lead to necrotic changes that affect the femoral head.
The course of taking almost all drugs must be repeated after six months. This is necessary if a serious inflammatory process has occurred against the background of cyst formation. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy.
Physiotherapeutic treatment of hip cysts
When the cyst is located very close to the end of the joint, then in this case, patients experience great difficulties with movement. This joint is very important in the musculoskeletal mechanism. With its damage and surgical intervention, this area is restored the longest.
However, it must be understood that with a cyst of this type it is categorically contraindicated to conduct thermal procedures. Although it cannot develop into a malignant formation, heat treatment is not possible. Therefore, doctors are limited to therapeutic massage and exercise therapy.
Surgical intervention
Hip cyst removal is performed using an arthroscope. Sometimes after the procedure, some complications appear. If purulent formations are observed several days after the operation, then they are necessarily removed, and the wound is washed.
Before carrying out the procedure to remove the lesion, the patient is sent to a separate box located in the orthopedic department. This is necessary in order to create the necessary environment for the patient and help him mentally and physically prepare for the upcoming operation. It is also necessary in order to prevent infection of other patients.
After this, the operation of the cyst of the hip joint is performed. The doctor excises non-viable tissue sites. After that, the surgeon treats wounds with a special antiseptic solution. The next stage is the drainage of the wounded cavity using counter -perture tubes (usually two-channel).
After completion of the procedure, primary sutures are applied. If serious soft tissue defects are observed, then additional methods of muscle plastic surgery can be applied.
If it is impossible to surgically remove the affected areas, then in this case, necrolysis of the wound is of a flowing enzymatic type.
After the surgery, it is necessary to carry out not only dressings, but also introduce antiseptic and antimicrobial compounds into the drainage system. Additionally, the wound is treated with special ointments.
Other treatment options
If the lesion is not severe, then there is the possibility of conservative treatment. For example, a doctor may try to perform a cyst puncture. To do this, the affected joint is punctured, and the doctor pumps out its contents with a specialized needle. The resulting material is also used for biochemical analysis in order to obtain more accurate pathology data. After cleaning the cystic cavity, anti-inflammatory drugs are injected into it. Upon completion, a strong pressure dressing is applied to the treated area. A similar type of treatment is indicated if surgical intervention is not possible for one reason or another. However, it should be borne in mind that puncture does not guarantee a complete cure. There is always a risk of relapse.
Until the 80s, doctors used the crushing technique. By and large, the fluid was almost squeezed out of the joint. This made it possible to preserve the joint capsule. However, today this method is practically not applied. This is because the chance of relapse in this case is 100%. Therefore, this technique can only be considered as a temporary solution to the problem.
The endoscopic cyst removal method is considered the most effective today. The patient does not experience pain. In addition, tissues are damaged to the least extent. A person recovers quite quickly, and the chance of relapse is significantly reduced.
If we talk about the treatment of hip cysts with folk remedies, then such methods are ineffective. Herbs and other treatments can be used to alleviate pain and in the recovery process after surgery. For example, to relieve inflammation and accelerate healing of the affected area (sage, St. John's wort, linden, chamomile).
Forecast
According to medical practice, in 1 out of ten cases, patients have problems in the process of wound healing. In other cases, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. For some, the healing process takes several weeks. Elderly people and those who are diagnosed with a complex degree of pathology will need much more time. However, with a successful operation there is every chance to return to normal life.
Preventative measures
To avoid complications after surgery, it is recommended to undergo antibiotic treatment long before the prescribed procedure. This will help to avoid infection and other problems during recovery.
In order to prevent the development of cysts, it is worthwhile to undergo a timely examination. It will not be superfluous to massage and engage in simple physical exercises. Do not engage in hard work, especially after injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In the event of edema, it is imperative to contact a specialist who will make an accurate diagnosis and be able to identify the problem in a timely manner.