Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a very broad clinical picture and is mainly characteristic of people over 40 years of age, however it can also be diagnosed at younger ages, especially in children and adolescents.
Often the precursor to the development of hip joint coxarthrosis are various types of trauma and inflammation, treatment for which was absent or insufficient.
There are several degrees of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a specific direction of complex methods of therapeutic treatment.
What is hip joint coxarthrosis?
Coxarthrosis or osteoarthrosis/deforming arthrosis of the hip joint is a complex pathological disease of the largest joint in the human body, accompanied by progressive destruction of osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as the lack of adequate treatment, cause deformation of adjacent bone surfaces and the appearance of bone growths on them, limiting mobility and interfering with normal human life.
Statistics show that this type of disease occurs in 12% of cases of diagnosed 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:
- developmental pathologies 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, the following are usually highlighted:
- systematic increase in loads;
- poor circulation in 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;consequently, people with this diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition for it;however, the manifestation of a hereditary factor can be observed as other features of the body's functioning that provoke the development of the pathology.The features of this type include metabolic disorders, the special structure of the musculoskeletal system, as well as weakness of the articular tissues.
Coxarthrosis degrees
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
In 1st degree coxarthrosis, a relatively moderate reduction in 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 femoral surfaces.
Coxarthrosis 2nd degree
In grade 2 coxarthrosis, the gap between the articular bones is significantly reduced, 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.
Grade 3 Coxarthrosis
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.
Coxarthrosis symptoms
The main and 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.
1st degree coxarthrosis 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 region.
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 and groin region;
- the occurrence of lameness after performing various types of exercises;
- reduction in the range of available movements (limitation of the ability to abduct the limb to the side).
In 3rd degree coxarthrosis, the following symptoms are observed:
- constant and unbearable pain at any time of the day;
- the need to use a cane for mobility;
- limitation of motor function, decrease in muscle volume and shortening of the length of the lower limb;
- trunk inclination.
Diagnosis of the disease
The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, as well as the results of the 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 main of which is radiography.
X-ray for Coxarthrosis makes it possible 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 sustained.
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) - allows you to assess the extent of damage to soft tissues.
It is also worth highlighting the existence of differential diagnosis, which involves the exclusion of pathological processes such as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spine.
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 hip joint coxarthrosis
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
Physiotherapy treatment of a patient involves scheduling procedures such as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- UV irradiation;
- shock wave therapy.
All physiotherapeutic techniques used help to improve blood circulation, start metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Drug treatment of coxarthrosis
Treatment of hip joint coxarthrosis with the help of medications involves the use of such means as:
- muscle relaxants;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- analgesics;
- corticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors.
A particularly important group of medications in the treatment of pathologies are chondroprotectors that promote tissue restoration.
Therapeutic exercise (physiotherapy)
Therapeutic physical education classes are one of the most effective methods of complex treatment.
A set of exercises is developed by a specialist doctor based on the results of the diagnosis and the patient's existing level of physical fitness.
Massage
Therapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis involves the use of several types of massage:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum.
In the absence of contraindications, after just a few sessions the patient will feel an improvement in blood circulation in the joint region and the supply of nutrients required by their tissues will be replenished.
Participating in massage sessions helps to strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joint.
Surgical intervention for coxarthrosis
The lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment forces us to resort to radical methods of treating the pathology.
The constant 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 the joint tissue;
- endoprosthesis – implant installation.
The operation is performed when the patient's pathological condition is grade 3, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in the 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 the development of pathological processes, the patient develops limited flexion-type mobility of the joint, which makes movement impossible due to the constantly flexed limb.
After complete fusion, the patient is unable to independently solve basic everyday issues and receives 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.
Coxarthrosis prevention involves:
- maintain a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- maintain 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 it in great condition and enjoy a full life!