Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a rather broad clinical picture and is characteristic mainly for people older than 40 years, however, it can be diagnosed at a younger age, especially 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 stages of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a certain 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 progressive destruction of osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as the lack of appropriate treatment, causes the deformation of adjacent bone surfaces and the appearance of bone growths on them, limiting mobility and interfering with a person's normal life.
Statistics show that this type of disease occurs in 12% of cases of diagnosis of pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
Causes of coxarthrosis
Today, it is common to distinguish between two types of coxarthrosis of the hip joint:
- primary, whose appearance is inexplicable;
- secondary, it develops against the background of other existing diseases.
With primary coxarthrosis, accompanying 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 lesions;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- injuries.
Risk factors
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint, it is common 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;consequently, people with such a diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition for it;however, the manifestation of a hereditary factor can be seen as other characteristics of the body's functioning that cause the development of pathology.The characteristics of this type include metabolic disorders, a special structure of the musculoskeletal system, as well as weakness of joint tissue.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic disease, like any other pathology, has stages of development.Coxarthrosis has only three of them, each of which is characterized by the presence of certain changes.
Coxarthrosis of the 1st degree
In coxarthrosis of the 1st degree, a relatively moderate reduction of the joint space is observed, followed by the growth of bone tissue on the entire surface of the joint.
There are no pathological changes on the surfaces of the femur.
Coxarthrosis of the 2nd degree
In coxarthrosis of the 2nd degree, 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, bony growths appear on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not limited to the cartilage.
Coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree
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 intensity.The detailed symptomatic picture is determined by the intensity of the development of pathological processes.
Coxarthrosis of the 1st degree implies the presence of symptoms such as:
- systemic 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 manifested by the following symptoms:
- moderate intensity of pain, which is often manifested at rest;
- spreading pain to the hip, groin area;
- appearance of lameness after performing various types of exercises;
- reduction of the range of available movements (restriction of the ability to abduct the limb to the side).
In 3rd degree coxarthrosis, the following symptoms are observed:
- constant, unbearable pain at any time of the day;
- the need to use a walking stick;
- restriction of motor function, reduction of muscle volume and shortening of the length of the lower limb;
- hull tilt.
Disease diagnosis
The initial diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's complaints, as well as the results of the visual examination and the collected medical history.
Diagnostic procedures for identifying diseases such as coxarthrosis are aimed at recognizing clinical signs and studying data from additional studies, among which radiography is the key.
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 the 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 make a detailed picture of the pathology;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - enables assessment of the extent of soft tissue damage.
It is also worth noting the existence of a differential diagnosis, which includes the exclusion of such pathological processes as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spine.
An integral part of complex diagnostics are laboratory tests that include:
- general blood and urine test to determine the patient's health condition;
- biochemical blood test to determine pathological conditions.
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint
The orthopedist diagnoses and determines the treatment plan.Treatment tactics are formed based on data such as:
- degree of expression;
- form of disease;
- reason for development;
- the 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 the patient includes appointment of procedures such as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- UV radiation;
- shock wave therapy.
All physiotherapeutic techniques used help improve blood circulation, start metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Treatment of coxarthrosis with drugs
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint with the help of drugs includes the use of such means as:
- muscle relaxants;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- pain relievers;
- corticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors.
A particularly important group of drugs in the treatment of pathology are chondroprotectors that promote tissue regeneration.
Therapeutic exercise (physical therapy)
Therapeutic physical education classes are one of the most effective methods of complex treatment.
A set of exercises is created by a specialist doctor based on the diagnostic results and the existing level of physical fitness of the patient.
Massage
Therapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis includes the use of different types of massage:
- classic;
- 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 needed by his tissues will be restored.
Attending 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 to resort to radical methods of treatment of pathology.
Constant progression of pathological processes is a direct indication for surgical intervention.Two types of operations are performed today:
- arthroplasty – removal of the femoral head from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in the joint tissue;
- endoprosthetics - installation of implants.
The operation is performed when the patient's pathological condition is of the 3rd degree, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in joint tissues.
Prognosis and possible complications
Only degenerative-dystrophic disease of the first stage is amenable to successful conservative treatment.In other cases, we cannot speak of a complete restoration of the functional activity of the hip joint, excluding cases of endoprosthesis installation.
In the absence of treatment, in the final stage of the development of pathological processes, the patient develops limited mobility of the joint of the flexion type, which prevents movement 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:
- maintaining a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes giving up bad habits;
- body weight control;
- systematic preventive examinations and timely treatment of various diseases.
Remember that your health is only in your hands.Keep it in optimal condition and enjoy life to the fullest!