Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a fairly broad clinical picture and is mainly characteristic of people over the age of 40, however it can also be diagnosed at a younger age, particularly 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 different degrees of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a specific direction of complex methods of therapeutic treatment.
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 in the human body, accompanied by the progressive destruction of osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as the lack of adequate treatment, causes deformation of 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 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:
- 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 increase in loads;
- poor circulation within the 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 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 body's functioning that provoke the development of pathology.Features of this type include metabolic disorders, special structure of the musculoskeletal system and weakness of joint tissues.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic disease, like any other pathology, has degrees of development.Coxarthrosis has only three, each of which is characterized by the presence of certain changes.
Coxarthrosis 1st degree
With 1st degree coxarthrosis, 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.
2nd degree coxarthrosis
With grade 2 coxarthrosis, the gap between the articular bones is significantly reduced, that is, more than 50% less than the generally accepted indicator.Pathological processes cause displacement of the femur, accompanied by deformation of the head, which significantly increases in size and becomes covered with numerous irregularities along the contour.
At this stage of development, bony growths appear on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not just the cartilage.
Coxarthrosis grade 3
Coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree is characterized by a strong deviation of functional indicators, as well as a sharp reduction in the gap between the bones of the joint.Furthermore, a marked expansion of the femoral head and numerous bony growths are observed.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The key 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:
- systematic pain caused by physical activity of varying intensity;
- localization of unpleasant and painful sensations in the hip/knee area.
2nd degree coxarthrosis is expressed by the following symptoms:
- moderate intensity of pain, which often occurs at rest;
- spread of pain to the hip, groin area;
- the occurrence of lameness after performing various types of exercises;
- reduction in the range of movements available (limitation of the ability to abduct the limb laterally).
With coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree the following symptoms are observed:
- constant and 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;
- inclination of the torso.
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 x-ray.
X-ray for coxarthrosis allows you to establish the negligence of pathological processes and determine the cause of their occurrence.In particular, based on the results of an x-ray examination, the treating doctor 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): allows you to evaluate the extent of soft tissue damage.
It is also worth noting 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 includes:
- 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 indications in the treatment of coxarthrosis.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of a patient involves the appointment of procedures such as:
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- UV irradiation;
- shock wave therapy.
All physiotherapeutic techniques used help to improve blood circulation, initiate metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Pharmacological treatment of coxarthrosis
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint with the help of drugs involves the use of such means as:
- muscle relaxants;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- painkillers;
- corticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors.
A particularly important group of drugs in the treatment of the 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 fitness level.
Massage
The therapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis involves the use of various types of massage:
- classic;
- point;
- empty.
In the absence of contraindications, after just a few sessions the patient will notice an improvement in blood circulation in the joint area and the supply of nutrients necessary for his tissues will be replenished.
Participating in massage sessions helps strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joint.
Surgery for coxarthrosis
The lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment forces us 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 surgeries are performed:
- arthroplasty – removal of the femoral head from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in the joint tissue;
- endoprosthesis – installation of an implant.
The operation is performed when the pathological condition of the patient is grade 3, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in the joint tissues.
Prognosis and possible complications
Only stage 1 degenerative-dystrophic disease is amenable to effective conservative treatment.In other cases, one cannot speak of complete restoration of the functional activity of the hip joint, excluding cases of installation of an endoprosthesis.
In the absence of treatment, in the final stage of the development of pathological processes, the patient develops limited mobility of the flexor-type joint, which makes movement impossible due to the constantly bent limb.
After complete fusion, the patient is unable to independently solve basic everyday problems 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 includes:
- maintain a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes abandoning 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 tip-top condition and enjoy a full life!