Hip osteoarthritis is a progressive condition characterized by the breakdown of the protective articular cartilage in the hip joint. This can be localized to a small area or involve the entire joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones within the joint may rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.

At Care Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center, we provide comprehensive, high-level care for patients with hip osteoarthritis, from early diagnosis and conservative management to advanced surgical solutions. Our goal is to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms:
Hip osteoarthritis often develops gradually and presents with:

• Pain:Commonly felt in the groin, hip, or upper thigh, worsening over months or years.
• Stiffness:Particularly in the morning or after prolonged rest, restricting mobility.
• Night Pain:Severe cases may disturb sleep.
• Functional Limitations:Difficulty performing daily tasks like dressing, washing, or walking long distances.
• Limp:Severe arthritis may cause a noticeable limp and the perception of leg length discrepancy.

While most cases occur later in life, individuals with prior hip trauma or developmental abnormalities may experience symptoms at a younger age.

Diagnosis:

A thorough medical history and physical examination are key to diagnosing hip osteoarthritis. This is often confirmed by:

• X-rays:Reveal joint space narrowing, bone changes, and other features of arthritis.
• MRI Scans:Used in cases of focal arthritis or when X-rays fail to provide a clear diagnosis.

Treatment Options:

Treatment is tailored to individual needs and goals, with both non-operative and operative approaches available:

1. Non-Operative Management:
   For many patients, conservative measures can effectively manage symptoms:

• Weight Loss:Reduces the load on the hip joint, alleviating pain.
• Physiotherapy:Strengthening and flexibility exercises restore normal joint function and reduce discomfort. Water-based therapy and tailored classes are particularly beneficial.
• Pain Management:Simple painkillers prescribed by your GP may help manage symptoms, especially at night.
• Hip injections:If the pain is very severe, corticosteroid injection can be given directly into the affected joint to ease the pain.

While injections (steroid or visco-supplementation) are sometimes considered, they are not routinely recommended due to their short-term effects.

2. Operative Management:
   When symptoms significantly impact daily life, surgical intervention may be the best option.

• Hip Replacement Surgery:A highly effective procedure, offering relief to over 95% of patients. It is considered the gold standard for managing severe hip osteoarthritis.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Early mobilizationwith physiotherapy
• Customized rehabilitation plansfor each patient
• Sports medicine and joint preservation focusto keep patients active and independent
• Ongoing patient educationfor lifestyle adjustments and prevention strategies

Why Choose Care Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center?

 Fellowship-trained hip and joint replacement surgeons
 Advanced diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques
 Comprehensive multidisciplinary care with physiotherapists, pain specialists, and rehabilitation experts
 Focus on patient-centered, compassionate care to restore quality of life