Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process with a degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a rather broad clinical picture and is mostly characteristic of people over 40 years of age, but it can also be diagnosed at a younger age, especially in children and adolescents.
Often a precursor to the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint are various types of trauma and inflammation, the treatment of which is missing or insufficient.
There are several degrees of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a specific direction of complex therapeutic methods of treatment.
What is coxarthrosis of the hip joint?
Coxarthrosis or osteoarthritis/deforming arthrosis of the hip joint is a complex pathological disease of the largest joint of the human body, accompanied by progressive destruction of the osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as the lack of appropriate treatment, cause deformation of the 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 customary to distinguish two types of coxarthrosis of the hip joint:
- primary, the appearance of which is inexplicable;
- secondary, developing against the background of other existing diseases.
In primary coxarthrosis, accompanying pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are often observed, which include osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine.
Among the most likely causes are the following:
- pathologies of the development of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia);
- aseptic necrosis of joint tissues;
- infectious lesion;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- injuries.
Risk factors
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint, it is customary to emphasize:
- systematic increased load;
- poor circulation in 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;accordingly, people with such a diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition to it;but the manifestation of a hereditary factor can be observed as other characteristics of the functioning of the body that provoke 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 tissues.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic disease, like any other pathology, has degrees of development.Coxarthrosis has only three of them, each of which is characterized by the presence of certain changes.
Coxarthrosis 1 degree
In coxarthrosis of the 1st degree, a relatively moderate reduction of 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 2 degree
In coxarthrosis of the 2nd degree, the difference between the joint 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 a deformation of his head, which significantly increases in size and is covered with numerous irregularities along the contour.
At this stage of development, bony growths appear on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not limited to cartilage.
Coxarthrosis 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 marked expansion of the femoral head, as well as multiple bony processes.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The main, constant symptom of the disease is pain of varying severity.The detailed symptomatic picture is determined by the intensity of the development of pathological processes.
Coxarthrosis of the 1st degree includes the presence of symptoms such as:
- systematically occurring 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 expressed by the following symptoms:
- moderate intensity of pain, which often occurs at rest;
- spreading pain in the thigh, groin area;
- the appearance of lameness after performing various types of exercises;
- reducing the range of available movements (limiting the ability to abduct the limb to the side).
With coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree, the following symptoms are observed:
- constant, unbearable pain at any time of the day;
- the need to use a cane for mobility;
- limitation of motor function, reduction of muscle volume and shortening of the length of the lower limb;
- torso tilt.
Diagnosis of the disease
The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, as well as the results of the visual examination and the collected history.
Diagnostic procedures for identifying a disease such as coxarthrosis are aimed at identifying clinical signs and studying data from additional studies, the key among which is radiography.
X-ray examination 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 an X-ray examination, the attending physician can determine the injuries sustained.
Among other instrumental diagnostic methods are used:
- CT (computed tomography) - allows you to create a detailed picture of the pathology;
- MRI (magnetic resonance) - makes it possible to assess the degree of soft tissue damage.
It is worth noting the presence of a differential diagnosis, which includes the exclusion of such pathological processes as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spine.
Laboratory tests are also an integral part of complex diagnostics, which includes:
- a general blood and urine test to determine the patient's state of health;
- biochemical blood test to determine pathological conditions.
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint
The orthopedic surgeon makes a diagnosis and determines a treatment plan.Treatment tactics are formed based on data such as:
- degree of expression;
- form of the disease;
- cause of development;
- 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 a patient includes the appointment of procedures such as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- UV radiation;
- shock wave therapy.
All the physiotherapeutic techniques used help improve blood circulation, start metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Drug treatment of coxarthrosis
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, which promote tissue recovery.
Physical therapy (physical therapy)
Physiotherapy classes are one of the most effective methods for complex treatment.
The complex of exercises is developed by a medical specialist based on the results of the diagnosis 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 feel improved blood circulation in the joint area and the supply of nutrients needed by the tissues will be restored.
Attending massage sessions helps to strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joint.
Surgical intervention in coxarthrosis
The lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment forces to resort to radical methods of treating the pathology.
Stable progression of pathological processes is a direct indication for surgical intervention.Today, two types of operations are performed:
- arthroplasty - removal of the head of the femur from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in the joint tissue;
- endoprosthetics - placement of an implant.
The operation is performed when the pathological condition of the patient is 3 degrees, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in the joint tissues.
Prognosis and possible complications
Only 1 stage of degenerative-dystrophic disease is amenable to successful conservative treatment.In other cases, one cannot speak of a complete restoration of the functional activity of the hip joint, except for 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 flexion joint, which makes movement impossible due to a permanently bent limb.
After complete fusion, the patient is unable to independently solve basic daily 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 sport;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes giving up bad habits;
- body weight control;
- systematic preventive examination and timely treatment of various diseases.
Remember that your health is only in your hands.Keep it in optimal condition and enjoy a full life!