Hip

There are many forms of arthritis but most frequent are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and septic arthritis.

The progressive degeneration and damage of articular cartilage causes hip osteoarthritis and results to painful movement.

Hip osteoarthritis is almost twice as common in women than in men. Studies show that heredity contributes in the condition development as well. One out of four adults will develop  symptoms of hip osteoarthritis by the age 85. Congenital causes like dysplasia and joint laxity cause abnormal loading and wear, whilst extrinsic factors like increased body mass index, high levels of certain exercise, and heavy manual labour may accelerate articular degeneration.

Progressive pain that is located in the groin area or buttocks and sometimes on the inside of the knee or thigh. Its usually worse at the end of the day, it is activity related and may cause stiffness. The simplest and most commonly used method for the diagnosis is the medical history, physical examination and X-ray.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms.

• Physical Activity: Studies show that simple activities like walking or doing aerobic exercises helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight and pain. Slow, gentle stretching of joints may improve flexibility, lessen stiffness and reduce pain
• Weight loss: Excess weight adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, feet and back
• Physical Therapy
• Analgesics (paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids). Consult your doctor before
• Intra-articular injections
• Biological therapies with prp or stem cells
• Surgical treatment – Total hip replacement

Total hip replacement is a classic and very successful surgical treatment during last 50 years for the treatment of Hip Ostearthritis. By this technique the replacement of acetabulum and femoral head is taking place and an artificial joint finally is produced in order to reduce the pain and restore mobility. By using the appropriate surgical technique the patient satisfaction can be up to 95% and longevity of the artificial joint up to 20 years. Being officially trained in UK on these techniques we use the most updated and evidence based surgical methods along with the apropriate recovery protocols. Additionally, with the use of Computer Assisted Total Hip Replacement combined with most reliable, according to literature, implants we aim to optimal surgical result.

Many factors, intra or extra articular, can cause hip pain or hip problems in adults that would lead someone to seek medical treatment from an orthopaedist. These include:

Femoroacetabular impingement: Abnormal anatomy that a person is born with and conditions that develop during the growth and development of the bones grow in childhood or adolescence. In these cases the bones of the hip rubbing together because they’re abnormally shaped.

Labral tear: A tear in the ring of cartilage surrounding the socket of the hip joint.

Tendinitis-Strain: Pain in athletes is commonly the result of a muscle strain or Hip pain in athletes is usually a result from muscle strain or tendinitis. The diagnosis and management of hip injuries has evolved substantially with the advancement in diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging and with new minimally invasive techniques.

Bursitis: Inflammation and swelling of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) over the hip joint.

Trauma: As the wear and tear that occurs with aging can all lead to progressive arthritic changes.

Hip fracture: This will cause sudden hip pain and is more common in older people with weaker bones

Infection: An infection in the bone or joint, such as septic arthritis or osteomyelitis. If you have hip pain and fever see your doctor immediately.

Osteonecrosis: Reduced blood flow of the femoral head inside the hip joint can cause the death of bone cells, the bone to break down and finally osteoarthritis of the hip.

For the treatment of the above conditions available conservative treatments (physiotherapies, biological agents, painkillers, activities modification) but also minimal invasive techniques (arthroscopy) can relief symptoms.