Hip arthritis is the degeneration (wearing out) of the hip joint, with loss of the cartilage which results in pain, stiffness, pain and reduced mobility.  Arthritis can cause cysts (holes in the bones), bone spurs (osteophytes), shortening of the leg (due to cartilage and bone loss), and muscle shrinkage and weakness.  Arthritis can initially be very mild and symptoms can be very mild, as the hip can slowly wear over many years, similar to tyres on a car.  However, often there may be an event or injury which can cause a rapid worsening of symptoms.

Over time, as hip arthritis progresses and the hip becomes stiff, this can place additional stress upon the low back, and can contribute to low back pain and degeneration.

There are a variety of causes of hip arthritis including:

• Childhood hip problems: Hip Dysplasia, Perthes disease, ‘Slipped Hips’ – SUFEs,
• Femoroacetabular Impingement: labral tears, Cam lesions
• Inflammatory conditions such as rhuematoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
• Trauma and injuries
• Avascular necrosis

It is important that the cause of your hip arthritis is understood to evaluate the risk to your other hip, and also to potentially counsel other members of your family to their risk of hip disease and prevention strategies.

In a healthy hip, the femoral head fits perfectly into the acetabulum.