Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a fairly broad clinical picture and is characteristic mainly of people over 40 years of age, however, it can also be diagnosed at a younger age, in particular in children and adolescents.
Often, the precursor to the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint is various types of trauma and inflammation, the treatment of which was absent or insufficient.
There are several degrees of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a specific direction of complex therapeutic treatment methods.
What is coxarthrosis of the hip joint?
Coxarthrosis or osteoarthrosis/deforming arthrosis of the hip joint is a complex pathological disease of the largest joint of the human body, accompanied by the progressive destruction of osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as lack of proper treatment, causes deformation of the adjacent bone surfaces and the appearance of bone growths on them, limiting mobility and interfering with normal human life.
Statistics show that the disease of this type occurs in 12% of cases of diagnosis of pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
Causes of coxarthrosis
Today, it is customary to distinguish two types of coxarthrosis of the hip joint:
- primary, the occurrence of which is inexplicable;
- secondary, developing against the background of other existing diseases.
With primary coxarthrosis, concomitant pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are often observed, which include osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine.
Among the most likely reasons are the following:
- pathologies of the development of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia);
- aseptic necrosis of joint tissues;
- infectious lesion;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- injuries.
Risk factors
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint, it is customary to highlight:
- systematic increased loads;
- poor circulation within joint tissues;
- hormonal changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- natural aging;
- insufficiently active lifestyle.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that coxarthrosis itself cannot be inherited; accordingly, people with such a diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition to it; however, the manifestation of a hereditary factor can be observed as other features of the functioning of the body that provoke the development of pathology.Features of this type include metabolic disorders, the special structure of the musculoskeletal system, as well as weakness of joint tissues.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic disease, like any other pathology, has degrees of development.Coxarthrosis has only three of them, each of which is characterized by the presence of certain changes.
Coxarthrosis 1st degree
With coxarthrosis of the 1st degree, a relatively moderate reduction in the joint space is observed, accompanied by the growth of bone tissue over the entire surface of the joint.
There are no pathological changes on the surfaces of the femur.
Coxarthrosis 2nd degree
With grade 2 coxarthrosis, the gap between the articular bones is significantly narrowed, which is more than 50% less than the generally accepted indicator.Pathological processes cause displacement of the femur, which is accompanied by deformation of its head, which significantly increases in size and becomes covered with numerous irregularities along the contour.
At this stage of development, bone growths appear on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not limited to cartilage.
Coxarthrosis grade 3
Coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree is characterized by a sharp deviation in functional indicators, as well as a strong reduction in the gap between the bones of the joint.In addition, there is a pronounced expansion of the femoral head, as well as numerous bone growths.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The key, constant symptom of the disease is pain of varying severity.The detailed symptomatic picture is determined by the intensity of the development of pathological processes.
Coxarthrosis of the 1st degree involves the presence of symptoms such as:
- systematically occurring pain caused by physical activity of varying intensity;
- localization of unpleasant and painful sensations in the hip/knee area.
Coxarthrosis of the 2nd degree is expressed by the following symptoms:
- moderate intensity of pain, which often manifests itself at rest;
- spread of pain to the hip, groin area;
- the occurrence of lameness after performing various types of exercise;
- reduction in the range of available movements (limitation of the ability to abduct the limb to the side).
With coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree, the following symptoms are observed:
- constant, unbearable pain at any time of the day;
- the need to use a cane to move around;
- limitation of motor function, decrease in muscle volume and shortening of the length of the lower limb;
- torso tilt.
Diagnosis of the disease
The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient’s complaints, as well as the results of a visual examination and the collected medical history.
Diagnostic procedures for identifying a disease such as coxarthrosis are aimed at identifying clinical signs and studying data from additional studies, the key among which is radiography.
X-ray for coxarthrosis allows you to establish the neglect of pathological processes and determine the cause of their occurrence.In particular, based on the results of an x-ray examination, the attending physician can determine the injuries suffered.
Among other instrumental diagnostic methods, the following are used:
- CT (computed tomography) – allows you to create a detailed picture of the pathology;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - makes it possible to assess the extent of soft tissue damage.
It is also worth noting the existence of differential diagnosis, which involves the exclusion of such pathological processes as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spinal column.
Laboratory tests are also an integral part of complex diagnostics, which include:
- a general blood and urine test to determine the patient’s health status;
- biochemical blood test to determine pathological conditions.
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint
An orthopedic surgeon makes a diagnosis and determines a treatment plan.Treatment tactics are formed based on data such as:
- degree of expression;
- form of the disease;
- reason for development;
- presence of symptoms.
Today, there are several effective directions in the treatment of coxarthrosis.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of a patient involves the appointment of procedures such as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- UV irradiation;
- shock wave therapy.
All physiotherapeutic techniques used help improve blood circulation, launch metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Drug treatment of coxarthrosis
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint with the help of medications involves the use of such means as:
- muscle relaxants;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- painkillers;
- corticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors.
A particularly important group of drugs in the treatment of pathology are chondroprotectors that promote tissue restoration.
Therapeutic exercise (physical therapy)
Therapeutic physical education classes are one of the most effective methods of complex treatment.
A set of exercises is developed by a medical specialist based on the diagnostic results and the patient’s existing level of physical fitness.
Massage
Therapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis involves the use of various types of massage:
- classical;
- point;
- vacuum.
In the absence of contraindications, after just a few sessions the patient will experience improved blood circulation in the joint area, and the supply of nutrients required by its tissues will be replenished.
Attending massage sessions helps strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joint.
Surgical intervention for coxarthrosis
The lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment forces one to resort to radical methods of treating the pathology.
Steady progression of pathological processes is a direct indication for surgical intervention.Today, two types of surgery are performed:
- arthroplasty – removal of the femoral head from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in joint tissue;
- endoprosthetics – installation of an implant.
The operation is performed when the patient’s pathological condition is grade 3, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in articular tissues.
Prognosis and possible complications
Only stage 1 degenerative-dystrophic disease is amenable to successful conservative treatment.In other cases, there can be no talk of complete restoration of the functional activity of the hip joint, excluding cases of installation of an endoprosthesis.
In the absence of treatment, at the final stage of development of pathological processes, the patient develops limited mobility of the flexion type joint, which makes it impossible to move due to a constantly bent limb.
After complete fusion, the patient is unable to independently solve basic everyday issues and is assigned the status of a disabled person.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures can be used to prevent the occurrence of pathological processes, as well as during remission, preventing the progression of the disease.
Prevention of coxarthrosis involves:
- maintaining a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes giving up bad habits;
- body weight control;
- systematic preventive examination and timely treatment of various diseases.
Remember that your health is only in your hands.Keep him in optimal condition and enjoy a full life!