The hip joint
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball — the head of the femur — sits in a cup-shaped socket called the acetabulum, formed by the pelvis. Both surfaces are lined with smooth articular cartilage so the joint glides freely. A fibrous labrum deepens the socket and adds stability.
Types of arthritis
- Osteoarthritis — gradual wear-and-tear of the cartilage, the most common type.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — an inflammatory autoimmune disease.
- Post-traumatic arthritis — develops after an injury or fracture of the hip.
- Other inflammatory arthritides — including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Previous hip injury
- Family history
- Developmental conditions such as hip dysplasia, Perthes' disease or SUFE
- Higher body weight
- Other inflammatory joint disease
Symptoms
- Groin pain, sometimes radiating to the thigh or knee
- Stiffness, especially after sitting or first thing in the morning
- Reduced range of motion — difficulty putting on shoes and socks
- Grinding, clicking or catching sensations
- Limp and reduced walking distance
Diagnosis
An X-ray is usually all that is required to confirm hip arthritis — it will show loss of joint space, bone spurs (osteophytes) and changes in the underlying bone. MRI or CT scans may be useful when the diagnosis is unclear or when planning complex surgery.
Non-surgical treatment
- Activity modification — reducing high-impact loading
- Weight loss where appropriate
- Physiotherapy and a guided exercise programme
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) as advised by your GP
- Walking aids in more advanced disease
Surgical treatment
When non-surgical measures no longer adequately control symptoms, total hip replacement is the gold-standard treatment. Modern hip replacements provide reliable, long-lasting pain relief and a return to most everyday activities.