What is Cartilage?
It is the covering of the end of the bones in the joint, it cushions and protects the bone, while providing a smooth gliding surface.
What does arthritis of the hip look like?
The Oxford dictionary defines arthritis as "inflammation of the joint". In simple terms it is the result of wearing away of the cartilage surface. The result is a rough surface unconducive to motion.
Xrays of the hip
What are the symptoms of hip arthritis?
- Pain in the groin or center of the buttock
occasionally down the front of the thigh to the knee or over the lateral hip
- Stiffness such as difficulty putting on a shoe or sock
- Hip pain while golfing, hiking, getting up from a chair or in and out of a car
- Decreased activity level
- Diminished quality of life
What causes arthritis of the hip?
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, results from the simple wearing away of the cartilage surface. It is similar to wearing out the tread on your tire. Once it is worn away, it cannot be replaced.
Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammatory reaction within the joint that over time deteriates the cartilage.
Avascular Necrosis is a condition wear the bone below the joint surface dies and allows the overlying cartilage to collapse.
Trauma or an injury to a joint may also cause arthritis.
Print