Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.This disease has a rather broad clinical picture and features mainly people over 40 years old, however, it can also be diagnosed at a younger age, especially in children and teenagers.
Often, the precursor to the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint is various types of trauma and inflammation, the treatment of which is absent or insufficient.
There are several degrees of development of the degenerative-dystrophic process, each of which requires a specific 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 lack of proper treatment, causes deformation of adjacent bone surfaces and the appearance of bone growth on them, limiting mobility and interfering with normal human life.
Statistics show that this type of disease occurs in 12% of diagnosed cases of musculoskeletal system pathology.
Causes of coxarthrosis
Today, it is customary to distinguish two types of coxarthrosis of the hip joint:
- major, inexplicable events;
- secondary, developing a background of other existing diseases.
With primary coxarthrosis, concomitant pathology of the musculoskeletal system is often observed, including osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine.
Among the most likely reasons are as follows:
- developmental pathology of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia);
- aseptic necrosis of joint tissue;
- infectious wounds;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- injury.
Risk factors
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint, it is customary to highlight:
- increased systematic load;
- poor circulation in the joint tissue;
- hormonal changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- natural aging;
- inactive lifestyle.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that coxarthrosis itself cannot be inherited;Accordingly, people with such a diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition to it;However, the manifestation of hereditary factors can be observed as other characteristics of the body's functions that trigger the development of pathology.Features of this type include metabolic disorders, special structures of the musculoskeletal system, as well as joint tissue weakness.
Degree 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 1 Degree
With coxarthrosis in the first stage, a relatively modest 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 surface of the femur.
COXARTHROSIS -2nd degree
With grade 2 coxarthrosis, the gap between the articular bones is very narrow, which is more than 50% less than the generally accepted indicator.The pathological process causes displacement of the femur, which is accompanied by a deformation of its head, which significantly increases its size and is covered with many irregularities along the contour.
At this stage of development, bone growth appears on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not limited to cartilage.
COXARTHROSS GRADE 3
Coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree is characterized by sharp deviations in functional indicators, as well as a strong reduction in the gap between the joint bones.In addition, there is a significant expansion of the femoral head, as well as a lot of bone growth.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The key, persistent symptom of the disease is varying degrees of pain.The detailed symptom picture is determined by the intensity of the development of the pathological process.
Coxarthrosis in the first stage involves the presence of symptoms such as:
- Pain that occurs systematically caused by varied physical activity;
- Localization of unpleasant and painful sensations in the hip/knee area.
Coxarthrosis of the 2nd degree is expressed by the following symptoms:
- moderate pain intensity, which often manifests itself 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 available movements (limitation of the ability to abduct the limb to the side).
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 crutches to move;
- Limitation of motor function, decrease in muscle volume and shortening of lower limb length;
- Torso Tilt.
Disease diagnosis
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 to identify diseases such as coxarthrosis are aimed at identifying clinical signs and reviewing data from additional studies, the main of which is radiography.
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 injury 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) - makes it possible to assess the extent of soft tissue damage.
It should also be noted the existence of a differential diagnosis, which involves the exclusion of pathological processes such as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spinal column.
Laboratory tests are also an important part of complex diagnostics, including:
- general blood and urine tests to determine the patient's health status;
- Biochemical blood tests 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:
- level of expression;
- form of disease;
- development reasons;
- the presence of symptoms.
Today, there are several effective instructions in the treatment of coxarthrosis.Let's look at each one in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of patients involves the appointment of procedures such as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- uhf therapy;
- UV radiation;
- Shock Wave Therapy.
All the physiotherapy techniques used help improve blood circulation, launch metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Drug treatment of coxarthrosis
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint with the help of drugs involves the use of methods such as:
- muscle relaxants;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- painkillers;
- corticosteroids;
- Chondroprotectors.
A very important group of drugs in the treatment of pathology are chondroprotectors that promote tissue recovery.
Therapeutic Exercise (Physical Therapy)
Therapeutic physical education classes are one of the most effective methods of treatment.
A set of exercises is developed by medical experts based on the diagnostic results and the patient's existing physical fitness level.
Massage
Therapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis involves the use of various types of massage:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum.
In the absence of contraindications, after just a few sessions, the patient will experience better blood circulation in the joint area, and the supply of nutrients needed by the tissues will be replenished.
Attending a massage session helps strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joints.
Surgical intervention for coxarthrosis
Lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment of a person to use radical methods of treating pathology.
Steady progression of the pathological process is a direct indication for surgical intervention.Today, two types of surgery are performed:
- Arthroplasty - removal of the femoral head from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in the joint tissue;
- endoprosthetics - installation of implants.
This operation is performed when the patient's pathological condition is Grade 3, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in the articular tissue.
Prognosis and possible complications
Only stage 1 degenerative-dystrophic disease is amenable to successful conservative treatment.In other cases, there is no discussion about the complete recovery of the functional activity of the hip joint, not including the case of endoprosthesis installation.
In the absence of treatment, at the final stage of the development of the pathological process, the patient develops limited mobility of the joints of the flexion type, which makes it impossible to move due to the constantly bent limb.
After complete fusion, the patient is unable to solve basic everyday problems and is given 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 development of the disease.
Prevention of coxarthrosis involves:
- maintain a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes giving up bad habits;
- weight control;
- Systematic preventive examination and timely treatment of various diseases.
Remember that your health is only in your hands.Keep him in optimal condition and enjoy life to the fullest!